Kenya’s Catholic Church has refused a $40,000 donation from President William Ruto, citing ethical concerns and a need to avoid political exploitation of religious platforms.
The president made the high-profile offer during Sunday Mass at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, pledging the money for a priest’s residence, the parish choir, and a bus.
The decision follows mounting pressure from young activists accusing churches of aligning too closely with politicians, especially after Catholic bishops recently criticized the government for broken promises and governance failures.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced the return of the cash and rejection of all additional pledges, emphasizing that church events should not be used for “political self-promotion.” The move aligns with Catholic and Kenyan directives against such practices.
This rejection signals a growing rift between Kenya’s churches and political institutions. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops has condemned the government for over-taxation, corruption, and deteriorating public services, leading to heated exchanges between clergy and government officials.
The controversy underscores the broader tension in Kenya, where churches are grappling with their role in governance and society amid public discontent.
