Soweto Catholic Church Rejects Ksh5.8M Donations from President Ruto

The Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi has declined donations totaling Ksh5.8 million from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. This decision which was made public on Monday, November 18, 2024, comes amidst mounting pressure from Kenyans urging the church to uphold its stance against political donations.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo, in a statement issued through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), said the Church is committed to maintaining its independence. He reiterated that accepting such donations risks compromising the Church’s integrity and opens it up to being used as a platform for political agendas.

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“The Church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance,” Anyolo noted. He highlighted that the Catholic Church discourages political rhetoric during religious gatherings, as it undermines the sanctity of worship.

Why Did Soweto Catholic Church Reject Ruto’s Donations?

The Archbishop referred to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which requires permits for fundraising activities. The Soweto Catholic Church deemed the donations from President Ruto and Governor Sakaja as non-compliant with these regulations.

The rejected contributions include:

• Ksh200,000 from Governor Sakaja for the choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC)
• Ksh600,000 from President Ruto to the same groups
• Ksh2 million from President Ruto for constructing the Fathers’ house

“These funds will be refunded to the respective donors,” the statement read, affirming the Church’s adherence to ethical principles and legal mandates.

Catholic Bishops Address Broader Ethical Concerns

The KCCB has been vocal about ethical leadership in Kenya. The Bishops have urged political leaders to focus on resolving national challenges, including corruption, human rights violations, and over-taxation. They called on politicians to avoid using church platforms for self-promotion or advancing personal agendas.

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Archbishop Anyolo urged the Church to prioritize its spiritual mission over external influences. “By refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence, the Church safeguards its role as a moral compass for society,” he stated.