The Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected millions donated by President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday November 17, 2024.
Reverend Philip Anyolo announced that the Church will return the Ksh2.6 million donated by Ruto and declined the Ksh3 million he pledged.
Soweto catholic will also return Ksh200,000 donated by Governor Sakaja to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC).
The Head of the Catholic church in Kenya explained that such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill.
Consequently, Anyolo said the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church are in violation of these directives and the law.
“These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of Ksh200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC); the President’s donation of Ksh600,000 to the choir and PMC; and Ksh2 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house,” he said.
“These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional Ksh3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the President, are hereby declined.”
Additionally, he said the bishops have consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches, highlighting the ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the Church from being used for political purposes.
No Fundraising in Churches
He affirmed that the Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion.
“Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces,” Anyolo said.
Anyolo called upon the Church to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment.
“Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain,” he said.
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Catholic Church Bishops Criticize Govt
This came after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a statement on November 14, 2024, addressing critical national issues that require urgent attention from the government.
This statement was read in all the churches within the Archdiocese of Nairobi on Sunday November 17,2024.
For this reason, he urged political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB.
Also Read: Ruto Responds to Catholic Bishops
This includes political wrangles, corruption, politics of self-interest, violations of human rights and freedom of speech, the culture of lies, issues surrounding NHIF, unfulfilled promises, misplaced priorities, selfish agendas to extend terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans.
He maintained that the Church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.
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