The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected substantial financial donations from Kenyan President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, marking a significant stance against political contributions amid growing tensions between the church and government.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced the rejection of Ruto’s Sh5.6 million ($37,000) in donations and pledges, including Sh2 million for a priest’s residence construction and Sh600,000 for the church choir, made during Sunday’s service at Soweto Catholic Church. The archbishop also declined Ruto’s promise of a bus and Governor Sakaja’s Sh200,000 contribution.
“These funds will be returned to the respective donors, and the promised bus will not be accepted,” Archbishop Anyolo stated, citing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) policy prohibiting political donations. The decision emphasizes the church’s commitment to maintaining independence from political influence.
The rejection comes amid escalating criticism from Catholic leaders regarding government policies. Last Thursday, bishops publicly condemned what they termed “unreasonable” taxation measures, suggesting they represented an attempt to resurrect the rejected Finance Bill, 2024.
“The current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome for Kenyans,” Bishop Maurice Muhatia declared during a Nairobi press conference. Church leaders also expressed concern over rising insecurity, citing increased abductions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings, particularly during recent demonstrations.
The KCCB has increasingly challenged the government’s fulfillment of campaign promises, with Archbishop Anyolo urging politicians to prioritize ethical leadership and address pressing economic and security challenges facing Kenyans.
