Catholic Church Rejects Ruto, Sakaja Donations

The Catholic Church has stirred a national conversation by rejecting President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's combined Ksh5.8 million donation to the Soweto Catholic Church. The move comes days after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a scathing critique of Ruto’s administration, accusing it of broken promises, political infighting, and misplaced priorities.

The unprecedented decision was announced by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, who declared the donations and future pledges including Ksh3 million for a parish bus unacceptable. Citing the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, Anyolo stated that the funds would be refunded to avoid potential conflicts of interest and safeguard the Church’s independence.

President Ruto and Governor Sakaja had attended a service on Sunday, November 17, where they announced their contributions, including Ksh600,000 for the church choir. However, Archbishop Anyolo warned against turning sacred spaces into platforms for political theatrics.

“The Church must uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may compromise its independence or inadvertently facilitate unjust enrichment,” he said. “Leaders must focus on solving pressing national issues rather than exploiting religious gatherings for self-promotion.”

The Church’s stance came after mounting public pressure. Kenyans, in an online campaign, flooded the archbishop's office with emails demanding the donations be returned. Critics argued the funds represented a conflict of interest and risked politicizing religious institutions.

Many lauded the Church’s bold move as a stand for integrity. “This sets a precedent that churches are not spaces for political influence,” said a Nairobi-based activist.

The bishops urged the President to prioritize:

- Resolving political wrangles and respecting human rights.

- Ending unfulfilled promises and corruption.

- Addressing national issues without exploiting religious platforms.

This rare rejection of political donations marks a turning point in Kenya’s Church-state dynamics. It reflects growing public frustration with perceived government mismanagement and calls for the Church to serve as a moral compass.

The bold decision puts President Ruto in a tough spot, with analysts predicting it could shape his relationship with religious leaders moving forward. As the debate continues, the Church has reaffirmed its role as an advocate for justice and ethical governance in Kenya.