The Catholic Church in Kenya has turned down a donation of about $40,000 (KSh 2.6 million) from President William Ruto, citing ethical concerns and the need to maintain independence from political influence.
President Ruto offered the money during a Sunday Mass at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, intending to support the construction of a priest’s house and to gift the church choir. He also pledged additional funds and promised the parish a bus.
However, Nairobi’s Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced that the cash would be returned and other pledges declined. He emphasized that the Church discourages the use of religious events as platforms for political promotion, aligning with church directives and Kenyan law.
The rejection follows recent criticism by Catholic bishops, who accused the government of failing to deliver on electoral promises and raised concerns about over-taxation, corruption, and the erosion of human rights.
This stance echoes broader frustrations from young Kenyans, including anti-tax protesters who have criticized churches for perceived closeness to politicians. Under the hashtag #OccupyChurch, many have condemned religious institutions for their silence during protests against controversial tax hikes earlier this year.
The Anglican Church of Kenya has supported the Catholic bishops’ position, with Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit affirming that they accurately reflect public sentiment.
The incident highlights growing tensions between Kenya’s political class and its religious institutions, as churches seek to distance themselves from political entanglements in a nation where over 80% of the population identifies as Christian.
