Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has fulfilled a Ksh1 million pledge to the ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu to support ongoing construction efforts.
The donation was delivered by Kiambu Senator Karungi Thangwa on Sunday, November 24, in Gachagua’s absence. Addressing congregants, Thangwa emphasized that the contribution was a long-standing promise made before the recent public debate surrounding political donations to churches.
Thangwa clarified that Gachagua had committed the funds earlier, explaining:
“We have seen instances where cash donations to churches have been returned. The church wrote to leaders about this matter. However, Gachagua’s pledge was not made recently. He promised to support you with paint when he visited earlier. He gave me the Ksh1 million on October 27, and I have kept it since. This is a promise he is now fulfilling.”
The donation comes amidst a broader conversation about the ethics of political contributions to churches. Recently, the Soweto Catholic Church announced it would refund donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, citing compliance with the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024.
In a statement issued on November 18, Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Anyolo explained that donations amounting to Ksh200,000 from Sakaja and Ksh2.6 million from Ruto were returned to adhere to the law.
“The Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 mandates that fundraising appeals, whether direct or indirect, require permits under Section 10(2). As such, these donations were deemed non-compliant,” Anyolo stated.
The Archbishop also discouraged political grandstanding during church events, urging leaders to respect the sanctity of the pulpit.
“The Church must maintain its integrity by refusing contributions that could compromise its independence or enable unethical practices. Leaders are urged to address pressing national issues, including political wrangles, corruption, human rights violations, unmet promises, and the over-taxation of Kenyans,” he said.
Anyolo emphasized that while politicians are welcome in churches, they should participate as ordinary Christians, prioritizing spiritual nourishment over political agendas.
