Joseph Isangura
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected donations from Kenyan politicians, including President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, citing concerns over the integrity and independence of the Church.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced the decision on Monday, November 19, 2024, stating that the donations would be returned, in line with the Church’s ethical guidelines.
This controversy arose after President Ruto made significant contributions during an event on Sunday, November 17, 2024. He donated Ksh600,000 (Sh12.3 million) to the Soweto Catholic Church Choir and the Parish Missionary Council, as well as Sh2 million for the construction of a priest’s house. Additionally, the President pledged Ksh3 million (Sh61.6 million) for the project and promised to buy a parish bus. Governor Sakaja also made a contribution of Ksh200,000 (Sh4.1 million).
Despite these generous donations, Archbishop Anyolo condemned the use of religious gatherings as platforms for political gain, stressing that such actions undermined the sanctity of worship spaces. “The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion,” Anyolo stated in his address. “Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions compromise the integrity of religious services.”
The Archbishop’s remarks were a clear statement of the Church’s efforts to remain independent from political influence. “These contributions, while generous, could inadvertently compromise our mission and facilitate unjust enrichment,” he continued, calling on political leaders to focus on resolving national issues such as corruption, political instability, and human rights abuses.
Furthermore, Archbishop Anyolo urged leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership, following the concerns raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), which has called for action against political wrangling and corruption in the country. The KCCB’s priorities include tackling human rights violations, promoting freedom of expression, and advancing governance reforms.
The Church’s decision to return the donations has sparked mixed reactions across Kenya. Supporters praise the Archbishop for upholding the Church’s integrity, while others see it as a potential political statement against the government. Although President Ruto and Governor Sakaja have yet to officially comment, the incident highlights a growing friction between political leaders and faith-based institutions in Kenya.
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This situation reflects broader concerns about the intersection of politics and religion in the country. Critics argue that the growing involvement of politicians in religious affairs threatens the separation of powers and could undermine the public’s trust in religious institutions. At the same time, religious leaders continue to call for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance from elected officials.
The decision by the Archdiocese of Nairobi to reject these donations is part of a broader call for a return to values-based leadership in Kenya, as the nation grapples with political and social challenges. It also reflects a growing movement within religious communities to separate themselves from political influence, ensuring their focus remains on their spiritual mission and service to the community.
