- On Sunday, November 17, President William Ruto donated millions to the Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi
- However, the Archbishop of Nairobi Philip Anyolo said Ruto's donation will not be accepted, given that it goes against the instructions of the Kenya Catholic Bishops Council (KCCB).
- According to Anyolo, the church must refuse donations from politicians, which could jeopardize its independence
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo has rejected the President's donations William Ruto and other politicians to the Catholic Church in Soweto.
Source: UGC
Why did the Catholic church reject William Ruto's donation?
In a statement on Monday, November 18, Anyolo cited the directives of the Kenya Catholic Bishops Council (KCCB) discouraging political donations to churches and using church events to promote themselves politically.
“The Catholic Church strongly opposes the use of church events such as fundraising and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion. Politicians are asked to refrain from turning the pulpit into a platform for political gossip, as such actions undermine the sanctity of places of worship.” Anyolo said.
According to Anyolo, the church should refuse donations from politicians, which could jeopardize its independence.
Furthermore, the Nairobi archbishop said that political leaders should strive to work on the fundamental issues raised by the KCCB, including ending corruption and addressing unfulfilled promises.
“The Church is required to maintain integrity by rejecting donations that may inadvertently jeopardize its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are encouraged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing important issues raised by the KCCB, including political disputes, corruption, independent politics . interests, false culture, unfulfilled promises and inappropriate priorities,” he added.
Anyolo said that based on the Public Fundraising Appeal Bill 2024 under section 10(2), people who intend to collect funds through fundraising must apply for permission.
How much Sakaja contributed to the Catholic church in Soweto
In line with the instructions, the Archdiocese of Nairobi said it has decided to return KSh 200,000 in donations from the Governor Johnson and KSh 2.6 million from President Ruto.
Anyolo, continued to say that the church will not accept the promise made by the president of KSh 3 million and the parish bus.
“Therefore, the donations made to the Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17, violate these instructions and the law/ These include the governor of Nairobi donating KSh 200,000 to the parish choir and the Parish Missionary Council (PMC), the donation of president of KSh 600,000 for the choir and PMC and KSh 2 million for the construction of the father's house. This money will be returned to the relevant donors. Furthermore, the additional promise of KSh 3 million for the construction of the father's house, as well as the donation of the parish bus from the president have been rejected.” the statement added to say
What Ruto told the Catholic bishops after criticizing his government
At the same time, the president responded to the Catholic priests who criticized his administration in a press conference held on Thursday, November 14.
Addressing the graduates of the University of Tangaza on Friday, November 15, the president called on the people of the clothes for criticizing his administration due to not knowing what is going on in the government.
He said that although the bishops agree on important points, they should speak the truth based on facts and not rumours.
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