Former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae has come out to share her thoughts on the role of religious leaders in society, noting that while pastors provide spiritual strength and hope, politicians are the ones who take care of people’s real-life needs.
In a statement shared on her X account on Wednesday, March 5 2025, Wamae pointed out what she sees as a distinction between spiritual and material support.
“Pastors give wananchi spiritual strength and hope then allow politicians to feed them with real life,” she wrote.
She went on to emphasise that different roles exist in society and that both religious leaders and politicians contribute to the well-being of citizens in different ways.
“Everyone is important,” she added.
Rejecting donations
Wamae’s remarks come just days after President William Ruto, while visiting Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, took a swipe at religious leaders who reject donations from politicians, branding them as insincere.
His comments followed his own substantial pledge—a personal donation of Ksh20 million, alongside an additional Ksh100 million, which he promised to raise from his allies.
The head of state was contributing towards the expansion of the church, led by Bishop Edward Mwai, which is seeking Ksh1.2 billion for its construction project.
While the announcement was met with excitement from congregants, it reignited a long-standing debate about politicians and their deep pockets when it comes to church donations.
Ruto, however, brushed off the criticism, insisting that his contributions were purely an act of faith, not politics.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I’m unapologetic about it. I do it on the firm foundation of the scriptures. I will make arrangements with my friends. We will look for Ksh100 million and bring it here,” he declared.
Taking a swipe at church leaders who decline such donations, Ruto said he has combed through the scriptures and has not come across any verse instructing bishops to reject money from politicians.
“Whenever we give, we do so to God. I have been trying to find where it is written in the Bible – because I am an ardent reader – that when you give to God, it is returned by the bishops,” he remarked.
Church rejects Ruto’s donation
Ruto’s comments came in response to a bold move by the Catholic Church, which publicly rejected a donation from him.
In a statement dated Monday, November 18 2024, Archbishop Philip Anyolo vowed to return a whooping Ksh5 million that Ruto had contributed to the Soweto Catholic Church.
Then, Anyolo declared that the donation was unconstitutional and that the Church would not accept the funds.
“The Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, under Section 10(2), deems 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,” the statement read in part.
“Such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the bill. Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, 17th November 2024, are in violation of these directives and the law,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.
He went on to break down the contributions made, revealing that apart from Ruto’s Ksh5 million, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had also donated Ksh200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC).
“These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of Ksh200,000 to the parish choir and PMC; the President’s donation of Ksh600,000 to the choir and PMC; and Ksh2 million for the construction of the Father’s house.
“These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional Ksh3 million for the construction of the Father’s house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the President, are hereby declined,” the statement concluded.
