President William Ruto has defended his continued financial contributions to churches, insisting that the money he gives is meant for God and not individual religious leaders.
Speaking during an interdenominational church service at Nyamaiya Stadium in Nyamira County on Sunday, November 8, Ruto said he would continue supporting church construction despite criticism from some religious leaders and members of the public.
His remarks followed an appeal by a preacher who urged him to continue making donations to churches, dismissing claims that such contributions amounted to bribery.
The preacher argued that giving money towards God’s work was different from bribing individuals and asked Ruto to channel donations rejected by other churches to congregations in the region.
“Kuchangia Mungu kanisa siyo kuhongana. Wacha His Excellency atuletee pesa mchana. Yale mamilioni yamekataliwa lete hapa,” the preacher said, inviting the President to support local churches.
In response, Ruto maintained that he did not need anyone’s permission to contribute towards the construction of places of worship.
“Usiwe na wasiwasi. Sisi tutaendelea kujenga kanisa na hatuombi mtu ruhusa. Tunajenga kwa hiari yetu. Mimi hakuna pesa nimepea mtu, mimi huwa nikitoa, natoa kwa Mungu,” he said.
The President also questioned why some church leaders had returned donations made to their institutions, arguing that his contributions were motivated by his faith.
“Nashangaa unatoa, alafu wale wengine ambao ni binadamu, wanarudisha. Wanarudisha kama nani?” he posed.
The latest remarks come amid a prolonged disagreement between Ruto and sections of the clergy over financial contributions by political leaders to religious institutions.
In November 2024, Nairobi Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced that the Archdiocese would return donations made by Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to Soweto Catholic Church.
The church cited concerns over compliance with its procedures and the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, while also declining further pledges made towards the church’s development.
Ruto has previously defended his contributions, saying he was guided by his Christian faith and would continue supporting the construction of churches.
The debate has also raised wider questions about the relationship between politicians and religious institutions, particularly over the acceptance of large cash donations and the Church’s independence.
The President attended the Nyamira service as part of his engagements in the Gusii region, where he was accompanied by local leaders ahead of a development tour covering road projects, digital infrastructure and sports facilities.
