The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has declined cash donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a Sunday church service at Soweto Catholic Church.
President Ruto, accompanied by Governor Sakaja, donated Ksh600,000 to the church choir and Ksh2 million for the construction of the parish priest’s house, pledging an additional Ksh3 million for the same project. He also promised to deliver a bus to the church in January. Governor Sakaja contributed Ksh200,000 during the event.
However, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese announced that the donations would be returned, and the promised bus would not be accepted, citing a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) prohibiting such contributions.
“These funds will be returned to the respective donors. Additionally, the promised Ksh3 million for the construction of the Father’s house and the parish bus are hereby declined,” read a statement from Archbishop Anyolo.
The Archbishop emphasized the importance of the Church maintaining its independence and avoiding being used for political purposes.
“Politicians are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB. The Church must remain a neutral space for spiritual growth and community guidance,” Anyolo stated.
The decision follows the KCCB’s recent criticism of the government for failing to fulfill campaign promises and imposing what they described as “unreasonable” taxes.
Last Thursday, the bishops expressed concern over the growing tax burden on Kenyans, calling it a disguised reintroduction of the rejected Finance Bill 2024.
“It seems this is a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill, 2024. We must keenly listen to the cry of the people; the current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome,” said Bishop Maurice Muhatia during a press briefing.
The bishops also condemned rising cases of abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings, which they noted were happening as many families still mourned loved ones lost during the June demonstrations.
