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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Clergy turn up the heat amid debate on Ruto's rejected millions

National

By Josphat Thiong'o | Nov 20, 2024

Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chairman Maurice Muhatia with Bishop of Kericho Catholic Diocese Alfred Rotich during a media briefing on the state of the Nation held in Nairobi on November 14, 2024. [Benard Orwongo Standard]

The Church is on a roll. Major Christian denominations have united against the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of perpetrating various vices that have worsened the lives of millions of Kenyans.

The Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese’s rejection of a Sh5.6 million donations from President William Ruto and a subsequent statement by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) censuring the State have intensified pressure for accountability and good governance by the clergy.

Still reeling from a stinging statement by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), President William Ruto’s administration suffered another blow after the rejection of his donation and that of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

President Ruto had donated Sh600,000 to the choir of Soweto Catholic Church in Kayole, Nairobi, and Sh2 million for the construction of the Father’s house. He had also promised Sh3 million and a parish bus. Governor Sakaja contributed Sh200,000.

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But in a statement on Monday, the Church said the money would be returned.

“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including political wrangles, corruption, politics of self-interest, violations of human rights and freedom of speech, the culture of lies, issues surrounding NHIF, unfulfilled promises, misplaced priorities, selfish agendas to extend terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans,” said Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Anyolo.

“The Church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.”

Archbishop Anyolo based the decision on a commitment to adhere to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024. Under Section 10(2), it is deemed that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect.

A day earlier, ACK had expressed its support for the Catholic bishops.

“We, the ACK, fully support the Catholic bishops’ statement to the nation. We believe the Government is yet to turn around the country and steer it in the right direction. Calling Church leaders names or dismissing the bishops’ statement as ‘misleading, erroneous, and false’ is itself dishonest. The bishops have faithfully expressed the truth as things are on the ground,” stated Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit.

He implored the Government to revisit the new university funding model as well as the new health scheme, whose implementation has been ineffective.

“It cannot be gainsaid that the new university funding model has not worked. Public universities are barely functioning. Perpetual delays in releasing capitation continue to undermine the efficient running of public schools. Similarly, the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) has been anything but smooth, causing Kenyans untold suffering.”

Sapit consequently called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to heed the people’s demands.

On the flip side, the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya condemned the move by the KCCB to return the donations from the President and other political leaders.

“It is a big mistake to return an offering given willingly and not solicited,” stated Samuel Njiriri, the chairman.

“Most of the time, the President is invited to churches. Maybe it was the same on Sunday. Rejecting his offering or donation is biased. The Bible tells us God loves cheerful givers.”

“I think some churches are not happy that the President has been seen favouring Pentecostals. On his development record, I believe the President and his administration should be given more time to deliver—it is too early to judge them.”

Despite Ruto’s persistent efforts to endear himself to the Church over the weekend, the sustained pushback has continued. Between Friday and Sunday, Ruto attended three church events where he sought to mend fences.

“I have spent the week interacting with the Catholic Church—at Tangaza College, where I attended the first graduation ceremony, and today here in Embu. I think tomorrow I will look for a church to celebrate Mass with the Catholic faithful,” said Ruto during the installation of Embu Diocese Catholic Bishop Peter Ndung’u, two days after the Catholic bishops called out the Ruto administration over a “culture of lies”.