President William Ruto has firmly defended his continued donations to churches, claiming he has no apologies for giving to God. Speaking during a church service at AIC Kipkorgot in Eldoret on Sunday, Ruto expressed that his philanthropic acts were a personal testimony of the positive impact of giving. His remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the political implications surrounding his financial contributions to various religious institutions in the country.
Ruto’s defense centered on the belief that giving to God can never be wrong. “I am a living testimony of a person who never went wrong for giving to God,” the President said, as he addressed the congregation at the church. He argued that his success was a direct result of his commitment to giving back, citing it as evidence of the divine blessings that accompany charitable acts. “For those of you who may not know, you will never go wrong by giving to God. And if you want evidence, look at me,” he said, adding that his life was a clear example of how generosity towards the church and God had played a crucial role in his personal and political rise.
This statement comes as the President continues his tradition of substantial donations to churches across Kenya. Just recently, Ruto donated Sh5 million for the Sunday school at AIC Kipkorgot, underscoring his ongoing support for religious institutions. His generosity, however, has sparked significant debate, particularly in the wake of a rejection by Catholic bishops in November 2024. In response to Ruto’s donation of Sh5.8 million to the Catholic Church, including Sh600,000 to the choir and Sh2 million for the construction of the Father’s House, the Church returned the funds, citing concerns about the involvement of political figures in religious activities.
Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Anyolo publicly rejected the donation, stating that the funds already received would be returned. He emphasized that while politicians were welcome to attend church services for spiritual nourishment, they should do so as ordinary Christians and not use church platforms for political gain. Archbishop Anyolo’s stance was a call for the Church to maintain its neutrality, warning against the potential dangers of allowing political figures to exert influence over religious spaces. “Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their political gain,” Anyolo said.
The rejection of Ruto’s donation by the Church raised concerns about the delicate balance between political influence and religious practices. The Bishop’s comments highlighted the need for religious institutions to remain independent and free from political interference in order to maintain their primary role as sanctuaries for spiritual growth and community support. The Church’s decision to return the funds also reflected wider concerns over the growing commercialization of religion in the country, with some critics arguing that the increasing contributions by politicians are more about securing political favor than genuine religious devotion.
In his response, President Ruto made it clear that his philanthropic efforts were motivated by a personal commitment to faith and that he would continue supporting the Church without any regrets. “I have no apology to make, I have no regret whatsoever for giving to God because God gives back in equal measure,” he said, reinforcing his belief in the reciprocity of divine blessings.
While Ruto’s donations continue to be a point of contention, his unwavering stance signals a broader debate over the intersection of politics and religion in Kenya. The ongoing discussions highlight the complex dynamics between public figures, religious institutions, and their respective roles in shaping the moral and social fabric of the nation. As President Ruto continues to advocate for giving to God, the Church’s response and the public’s view of these donations will likely remain a topic of intense scrutiny in the coming months.
