The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Jackson Ole Sapit, has called on Kenyans to reject monetary contributions from political leaders.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, December 3, Ole Sapit claimed that much of the money given as donations by political figures comes from stolen public funds.
“I encourage all of us as Kenyans to reject contributions by political leaders and their appointees, knowing that most of the money given is stolen taxes. We must stop celebrating whenever the President, Members of Parliament, Governors, MCAs, and other political actors donate money whose source is not clear,” he stated.
The Archbishop’s remarks come two days after President William Ruto donated Ksh5 million to Crispinus Anglican Church in Bungoma.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who delivered the contribution on Sunday, December 1, defended the donation, asserting that leaders supporting church projects is not inappropriate.
“There is nothing wrong with leaders contributing to God’s work. I hope you won’t reject it. If you don’t want it, you can give it to me,” Lusaka quipped.
The issue of political donations has stirred debate in recent weeks. On November 18, Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Anyolo directed Soweto Catholic Church to refund donations made by President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In a statement, Archbishop Anyolo said the donations violated the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which requires fundraising appeals to obtain permits under Section 10(2) of the law.
In response, Ruto defended his contributions, insisting his generosity stems from personal convictions rather than political motives.
“We are going to give for the building of the church and God’s work because we are a product of giving ourselves. Our salvation is a product of giving. It is God who gave first, and that is why we have the privilege to know Christ and believe in Him,” Ruto said.
