Key Highlights:
- KCCB turns down President Ruto’s KSh 5.6 million donation and other contributions, citing ethical and legal concerns.
- Contributions violated the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, requiring proper permits for such activities.
- The Church urges politicians to focus on pressing national issues like corruption, human rights violations, and over-taxation.
- Politicians are welcomed for spiritual nourishment but discouraged from leveraging church platforms for political gain.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has upheld its consistent opposition to political donations in church settings, highlighting concerns over ethical compromises and misuse of religious spaces.
In a statement read across the Archdiocese of Nairobi on Sunday, November 17, 2024, the bishops emphasized the need to maintain the Church as a sacred and neutral environment.
“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events, such as fundraisers and gatherings, as platforms for political self-promotion,” the KCCB noted in its statement.
Details of Declined Contributions
During a service at Soweto Catholic Church, President William Ruto pledged KSh 5.6 million in total donations, including:
- KSh 600,000 for the choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC).
- KSh 2 million for the construction of a Fathers’ house.
- An additional promised KSh 3 million for the same project.
- A bus donation for the parish.
Governor Johnson Sakaja also contributed KSh 200,000. All donations have been rejected, and the funds will be refunded to their respective donors.
Legal Framework Behind the Decision
The bishops cited the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which requires proper permits for any fundraising activity.
They asserted that the contributions made at Soweto Catholic Church violated both church directives and the law.
“These donations contravene both the directives of the Church and the provisions of the law,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: ACK to Ruto: No amount of attacks will stop the church from calling out evil
Call to Address National Challenges
The KCCB urged political leaders to focus on resolving pressing national issues such as:
- Corruption.
- Over-taxation.
- Human rights violations.
- Unfulfilled government promises.
They warned against turning worship spaces into platforms for political gain.
“Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment but are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain,” the bishops emphasized.
Commitment to Integrity
The Catholic Church reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its independence and serving as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance.
This bold move underscores the Church’s dedication to safeguarding its sanctity and ensuring ethical practices.
The bishops’ rejection sends a strong message to politicians about maintaining ethical boundaries and prioritizing the welfare of Kenyans over political agendas.
