Ole Sapit asks clergymen to stop celebrating tainted donations

Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has urged Kenyans to reject donations from political leaders, alleging the money often comes from stolen public funds.

 Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, Ole Sapit criticised the practice, calling on citizens to avoid celebrating political contributions whose sources remain unclear.

"Most of the money given is stolen taxes. We must stop celebrating whenever the President, MPs, Governors, MCAs, and other political actors donate money whose source is not clear," Ole Sapit said, urging citizens to reject such contributions.

His remarks come after President William Ruto donated Sh5 million to Crispinus Anglican Church in Bungoma, a move that has sparked ongoing debate about the intersection of politics and religion.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka delivered the donation to the church, defending the contribution as a legitimate support for the Church's work.

"There is nothing wrong with leaders contributing to God’s work," Lusaka said, removing bundles of cash from a grey backpack during the widely circulated video of the Thanksgiving ceremony.

Lusaka jokingly added, "I hope haitarudishwa, mkikataa mnipatie mimi mwenyewe" (I hope it won’t be returned, if you reject it, give it to me).

The controversy comes in the wake of the Catholic Church's rejection of a Sh5.6 million donations from President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to the Soweto Catholic Church.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in a statement released on November 14, 2024, reaffirmed the Church's opposition to political donations, citing ethical concerns.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo, speaking on behalf of the Archdiocese, stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity and independence of the Church, warning against using religious platforms for political gain.