The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has taken a bold step by rejecting cash donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday. The move underscores the Church’s commitment to maintaining its neutrality and protecting its integrity amidst growing concerns over political influence.
During the service, President Ruto donated KSh 600,000 to the church choir and KSh 2 million for the construction of the parish priest’s house. He further pledged an additional KSh 3 million for the project and promised to deliver a parish bus in January. Governor Sakaja also contributed KSh 200,000. However, in a letter addressed to the church, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese announced that these donations would be returned, and the promised bus would not be accepted.
Upholding Integrity
The rejection of the funds follows a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), which bans donations from politicians to prevent the Church from being drawn into political affairs. Archbishop Anyolo emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Church’s independence, stating, “The Church must remain a neutral entity free from political influence to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.”
The Archbishop called on politicians to exhibit ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues facing the nation rather than seeking to intertwine their political agendas with religious institutions. “These funds will be returned to the respective donors,” the letter read, reiterating the Church’s firm stance against financial contributions that could compromise its neutrality.
KCCB’s Criticism of the Government
The rejection of donations comes on the heels of sharp criticism from the KCCB directed at President Ruto’s administration. Last week, the bishops accused the government of failing to fulfill its campaign promises, particularly concerning the economic burdens placed on citizens.
The KCCB voiced concerns over the imposition of new taxes, describing them as a veiled reintroduction of the contentious Finance Bill, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Bishop Maurice Muhatia stated, “It seems this is a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill. We must keenly listen to the cry of the people; the current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome.”
The bishops also decried the rising cases of abductions, disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings, particularly in the aftermath of the June demonstrations. These incidents have left many families grappling with the loss of loved ones, raising serious concerns about the state of human rights in the country.
A Stand Against Political Patronage
The Catholic Church’s decision to reject the donations reflects a broader effort to resist political patronage and maintain its independence as a spiritual institution. By doing so, the Church aims to shield itself from being used as a platform for political agendas, particularly at a time when the government faces growing public scrutiny over its policies and governance.
This move also sends a strong message to other religious organizations to prioritize their spiritual mission and community service over financial contributions that may come with strings attached. Archbishop Anyolo’s stance highlights the critical role of religious institutions in advocating for social justice and holding leaders accountable.
Conclusion
As Kenya grapples with economic and social challenges, the Catholic Church’s rejection of political donations underscores the need for ethical leadership and a clear separation between religious and political domains. By taking a firm stance, the Church not only upholds its integrity but also reinforces its role as a moral compass for the nation. The ball is now in the government’s court to address the pressing issues raised by the bishops and deliver on its promises to the Kenyan people.
