KENYA’S Catholic Church has refused a $40,000 donation from President William Ruto, citing ethical concerns and the need to avoid political exploitation of religious platforms. The funds were intended for constructing a priest’s house and supporting the church choir at Nairobi’s Soweto Catholic Church.
The rejection followed growing public criticism of perceived closeness between the Church and political leaders, as well as recent sharp criticism by Catholic bishops of the government’s failures.
Ethical concerns and political neutrality
Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi announced the Church’s decision to return the donation, along with an additional pledge of KSh2.6 million ($17,270) and promises of a parish bus. Donations made by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who attended the same service, were also rejected.
‘The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events as platforms for political self-promotion,’ Archbishop Anyolo stated. He emphasised that such contributions breached Church guidelines and Kenyan law.
Churches under pressure
Kenya’s religious institutions have faced scrutiny amid accusations of political alignment. Earlier this year, anti-tax protests, spearheaded by the youth-led #OccupyChurch movement, accused churches of siding with the government rather than addressing public grievances.
President Ruto’s government, after facing backlash over a proposed finance bill, was forced to withdraw the controversial tax plan in July. Since then, the Catholic Church has grown increasingly critical, with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issuing a damning statement accusing the government of fostering a ‘culture of lies’ and failing on taxation, corruption, human rights, and social services.
Broader reactions
Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit defended the Catholic Church’s stance, noting its alignment with the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. ‘Calling church leaders names or dismissing the bishops’ statement is dishonest,’ he remarked.
The rejection of Ruto’s donation symbolises a broader shift as Kenyan churches navigate their roles in an era of political and social upheaval. Archbishop Anyolo’s decision underscores the Church’s efforts to maintain neutrality and prioritise the integrity of its mission.
This move signals a growing rift between Kenya’s political elite and its religious institutions, potentially reshaping the dynamics of power and influence in the country.
