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The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has declined a donation of Sh2.6 million from President William Ruto citing ethical considerations.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected a cash donation made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during Sunday’s church service at Soweto Catholic Church.
On Sunday, President Ruto attended a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi accompanied by Governor Sakaja during which they donated the csh.
During the service, Ruto donated Sh600,000 to the church choir, while Sakaja gave Sh200,000. Ruto also gave Sh2 million to the construction of the parish priest’s house and pledged another Sh3 million.
The Head of State at the same time promised to deliver a bus to the church in January.
But Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo said the donated cash would be returned and added that the promised bus would not be accepted.
He cited a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that banned such donations.
Archbishop Anyolo stated that the Nairobi Church will maintain a firm stance on politicians’ donations, highlighting the Church’s need to safeguard itself from being used for political purposes.
“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops,” part of the letter reads.
He further urged the church to always uphold its integrity and refuse donations that would compromise its independence.
This move by Bishop Anyolo came barely a week after the (KCCB) made a scathing attack on President William Ruto and his government over what they termed as failure to fulfil their 2022 campaign promises.
KCCB on Thursday alleged that the continued imposition of new taxes on Kenyans is a secret way to reintroduce the rejected Finance Bill.
While acknowledging that the government can only raise its revenue through taxes, the bishops regretted that the citizenry was being overtaxed.
The bishops also raised concerns over what they have termed “unreasonable” taxes being introduced “from day to day.”
“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 Maurice Muhatia in a statement.
