The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has rejected large cash donations made by politicians, including President William Ruto, this past Sunday during a church service at St. Joachim and Ann Soweto Catholic Parish in Nairobi.
In a statement to the media, KCCB declared that President Ruto’s donations, amounting to Ksh5.6 million—comprising Ksh2 million for the construction of the priest’s house, Ksh3 million for the purchase of a church bus, and Ksh600,000 for the choir—and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s contribution of Ksh200,000 to support the activities of the Parish Missionary Council (PMC), were unlawful as they did not comply with the law.
“In adherence to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, under Section 10(2), it is deemed that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect. Such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the Bill,” said Philip Anyolo, the Archbishop of Nairobi.
“Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on November 17 are in violation of these directives and the law.”
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Archbishop Anyolo, who is the conference’s president, has now instructed the church to return the money, issuing a warning to all Catholic churches in the country to uphold integrity by refusing similar contributions that may compromise their independence or facilitate unjust enrichment.
“The bishops have consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches, highlighting ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the church from being used for political purposes,” he stated. “The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion.”
“The church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance,” he added.
“Politicians are most welcome to attend church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their political gain.”
Concluding, Archbishop Anyolo urged all political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including 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 the terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans.
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