Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua honored a Ksh1 million pledge to ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu to support ongoing construction works.
The donation, delivered by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa on Sunday, November 24, came at a time when scrutiny of politicians’ contributions to churches is at an all-time high.
Speaking to congregants, Senator Thangwa clarified that Gachagua’s pledge predated the recent controversies surrounding political donations in churches.
He assured the faithful that the commitment was made in good faith and was simply a promise being honored.
“We have been cautious because some cash donations in churches were recently returned. However, this donation is not part of that controversy. He (Gachagua) was here previously and promised to support you with funds for paint. I have kept the Sh1 million he gave me on October 27, and I’m here to fulfill his promise,” Thangwa explained.
Controversy on church donation
The donation comes in the wake of the Soweto Catholic Church returning Ksh200,000 from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Ksh2.6 million from President William Ruto, following a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).
Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Anyolo cited the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which requires a permit for any fundraising appeal.
“The Church must uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may compromise its independence or promote unjust enrichment. Political leaders should address the pressing issues affecting Kenyans rather than turning church events into platforms for political gain,” Anyolo stated on November 18.
READ ALSO: Popular pastor arrested for scamming Sh2 million from ACK church
Archbishop Anyolo also discouraged the use of church functions for self-promotion, urging politicians to respect the sanctity of the pulpit and focus on addressing critical issues like corruption, human rights violations, over-taxation, and unfulfilled promises.
“While politicians are welcome to seek spiritual nourishment, they must do so as ordinary Christians, without using the Church as a platform for political agendas,” Anyolo added.
As debates around political donations in churches persist, Gachagua’s fulfilled promise highlights the tightrope politicians walk in supporting religious institutions without compromising public trust or violating regulations.
The senator’s explanation aimed to distance the former deputy president from the broader controversy, framing the contribution as an act of goodwill rooted in integrity.
Read also: Untold Stories of 6 Nairobi Buildings Built by Freemasons
