A financial contribution from President William Ruto to a Catholic parish in Nairobi has sparked controversy, with the Catholic Church rejecting the donation on ethical grounds and citing a violation of legal fundraising protocols.
President Ruto made the $40,000 pledge on November 17 during a Sunday Mass at a church in Kayole-Soweto, a low-income neighborhood in Nairobi. He initially handed over $20,000 in cash and promised an additional $20,000 and a parish bus for the church. The funds were intended for constructing a parish rectory, supporting the church choir, and assisting the parish missionary council.
However, on November 18, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi announced the donation would be refunded. “These funds will be returned to the respective donors,” he said in a statement, adding that the promised additional funds and the parish bus were also declined.
The rejection aligns with the Catholic bishops’ directive discouraging financial contributions from politicians, which they believe could compromise the church’s integrity or be used for political self-promotion. Archbishop Anyolo emphasized the importance of safeguarding the church’s independence and ethical standards, stating that such donations could inadvertently facilitate unjust enrichment.
The decision follows a recent statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) criticizing the government for fostering corruption, over-taxation, and human rights violations. On November 14, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, KCCB chair, condemned the government for perpetuating “a culture of lies” and neglecting critical issues like youth unemployment, education, and healthcare.
The bishops’ statement also decried alleged abductions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. “The massive greed we are witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking,” said Archbishop Makumba, urging the nation to pray in response to the challenges facing Kenya.
In response, government officials accused the bishops of misleading the public, intensifying tensions between the church and state.
The Catholic Church in Kenya represents approximately 40% of the population, with 18 million baptized members, and has traditionally played a significant role in advocating for social justice and good governance.
