The Catholic Declines Ruto's Donations

Nairobi, Kenya – 18th November 2024:

The Archdiocese of Nairobi has made a bold and principled decision to decline a donation of KSh 5 million from President William Ruto to the Soweto Catholic Church. The funds, which had already been received, will be refunded, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to maintaining its independence and integrity.

In a public announcement on social media, the Archdiocese of Nairobi stated, “The Archdiocese of Nairobi declines political donations and funds already received shall be refunded to the respective donors.” This decision aligns with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directives issued on 14th November 2024, which emphasized the need for the Church to remain free from political influence.

The Archdiocese released an official document explaining its stance on political donations, citing ethical concerns and the importance of safeguarding the sanctity of worship spaces. The document highlighted that church events should not be used as platforms for political self-promotion and stressed the importance of refusing contributions that might compromise the Church’s independence.

Excerpts from the statement include:

“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion. Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces.”

The statement further criticized the government for issues such as political wrangles, corruption, human rights violations, and over-taxation, urging political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership.

The specifics of the refunded donations include:

Governor of Nairobi’s donation of KSh 200,000 to the parish choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC).
President Ruto’s donation of KSh 600,000 to the choir and PMC, and KSh 2 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house.
The promised additional KSh 3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house and a donation of a parish bus by the President have also been declined.

The Church’s decision has garnered widespread support from Kenyans, with many praising the institution for standing up against political influence. Dr. Miguna Miguna reacted on social media, saying, “This is superb. All religious groups, civil, trade and professional organizations must follow the ethical example of the Catholic Church and #LockRutoOut of all their pulpits, shrines, and groups. Reject all donations, contributions, or gifts from corrupt politicians and members of the organized bandits which are intended to compromise the integrity of our institutions and citizens. Don’t accept his plundered #BloodMoney. Let him hide in shame before we jail him. #RutoMustGoNow.”

Earlier last week, the KCCB issued a scathing critique of President Ruto’s administration, accusing it of fostering a culture of lies, silencing critics, and perpetuating human rights violations. The bishops highlighted issues such as over-taxation, abductions, killings, and the murder of women as pressing concerns that need immediate attention.

In their critique, the bishops stated:

“We are troubled by the heightened insensitivity and insensibility of Kenyan leaders in carrying out their tasks. The massive greed we are witnessing is shocking and heartbreaking,” said Maurice Muhatia, chairman of the KCCB.

They also criticized the government’s failure to keep promises, particularly concerning payments to essential service providers like the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and condemned the proposal to extend the term of elected leaders from five to seven years.

The Church’s firm stance against accepting political donations underscores its commitment to remaining a neutral entity dedicated to spiritual growth and community guidance. By refusing contributions that could potentially compromise its independence, the Catholic Church aims to maintain its authority and credibility in criticizing government wrongs and advocating for truth, justice, and righteousness.

In doing so, the Church ensures it can continue to serve its mission without being compromised, maintaining its role as a moral compass for society. The message from the Archdiocese of Nairobi is clear: the Church must remain uncompromised and free from political influence to effectively fulfill its spiritual mission.