The Catholic Church has turned down President William Ruto’s donation to the Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17.
During the service, Ruto donated KSh 600,000 to the choir and the Parish Missionary Council and KSh 2 million for the construction of the father’s house.
The president also promised an additional KSh 3 million for the construction of the father’s house.
However, Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo rejected the donation, citing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) stance against political donations to churches and the use of church events for political self-promotion.
Anyolo insisted that the church is required to decline contributions from politicians, which might compromise its independence.
"Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17, are in violation of these directives and the law. These include the Governor of Nairobi's donation of KSh of 200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), the president's donation of KSh 600,000 to the choir and PMC and KSh 2 million for the construction of the father's house. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional KsH 3 million for the construction of the father's house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the president are hereby declined," said Anyolo.The bishop said the contributions will be refunded.
