The Archdiocese of Nairobi has returned donations totaling KSh 2.8 million made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, reinforcing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) policy on political contributions to the Church.
In a statement read during Mass across all churches in the Archdiocese on Sunday, November 17, 2024, the bishops emphasized the need to preserve the sanctity and independence of the Church by rejecting political donations. The announcement was in line with the KCCB’s guidelines and the recently enacted Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024.
Donations Declined by the Archdiocese
During a recent event at Soweto Catholic Church, the Archdiocese declined the following contributions:
- KSh 200,000 from Governor Sakaja to the Parish Choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC).
- KSh 600,000 from President Ruto to the same groups.
- KSh 2 million from President Ruto for the construction of the Fathers’ House.
- A KSh 3 million pledge for additional construction projects.
- A donation of a parish bus.
In adherence to their ethical stance, the Archdiocese also confirmed that any funds already received that violated these guidelines would be returned to the respective donors.
Preserving the Sanctity of Religious Spaces
Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo, speaking on behalf of the Archdiocese, reiterated the Church’s commitment to maintaining its independence from political influence. He urged political leaders not to exploit the pulpit for political rhetoric, warning that such actions undermine the sacred purpose of religious spaces.
“The Church is a place of worship and community guidance, not a platform for political campaigns,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.
He emphasized that while politicians are welcome to attend church for spiritual nourishment, they should do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for personal or political gain.
The Church’s Role in Promoting Ethical Leadership
The Catholic Church reaffirmed its position as a neutral institution dedicated to upholding integrity and ethical principles. The bishops called on leaders to prioritize pressing national issues, including:
- Addressing political conflicts.
- Combating corruption.
- Upholding human rights.
- Fulfilling promises made to citizens.
- Reducing overtaxation and aligning priorities with public needs.
The statement urged political leaders to model ethical leadership by placing the welfare of Kenyans above personal ambitions.
A Call for Accountability and Transparency
By rejecting these donations, the Catholic Church seeks to send a clear message about the importance of safeguarding its independence and ethical standards. The decision highlights the need for political leaders to respect the role of religious institutions as places of unity and moral guidance.
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