Philip Anyolo: Principled man of cloth ready to turn down freebies

ArchBishop Philip Anyolo. [File, Standard]

He presents himself as a holy member of the clergy — soft-spoken and always flashing an assuring smile that reflects calmness. But beneath this demeanour lies a tough man, a man of the cloth who is not afraid to make difficult decisions to defend what many faithful believe is the sanctity of the church.

So, when Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo rejected President William Ruto’s Sh5.6 million offering on Sunday, it didn’t surprise many of the faithful who have known the cleric since his time serving in Nyanza.

In 2019, Anyolo made a similar decision when he rejected a car gift from then Deputy President Ruto during his installation as Archbishop of Kisumu diocese.