The Catholic Church in Kenya has taken a bold stance, returning a $40,000 donation made by President William Ruto for the construction of a priest’s residence.
The decision, announced by the Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip Anyolo, underscores the Church’s concerns over political influence and ethical standards.
The controversy began when President Ruto attended Sunday Mass at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi and pledged $40,000 to support the project. He immediately handed over 2.6 million Kenyan shillings ($20,000) and promised the remaining amount later, along with a bus for the parish. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also contributed 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,350).
However, public backlash soon followed. Many Kenyans accused the Church of aligning too closely with political figures, particularly in light of recent protests against the government’s tax policies. The uproar intensified online, with the hashtag #OccupyChurch trending as citizens questioned the Church’s neutrality.
Archbishop Anyolo, addressing the growing criticism, stated that the money and pledges would be returned to protect the Church’s integrity. “The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion,” he said, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to ethical principles and its desire to remain apolitical.
This move comes amid strained relations between Kenya’s churches and its citizens. Many churches have been accused of failing to support the public during recent deadly protests over controversial tax hikes. In response to past incidents of perceived political exploitation, some of Kenya’s largest churches banned politicians from using services as campaign platforms three years ago.
The return of President Ruto’s donation highlights the Church’s attempt to restore public trust and reinforce its position as a moral compass in a country where over 80% of the population identifies as Christian.
This episode also underscores the growing tensions between religious institutions and political authorities in Kenya, reflecting broader societal concerns about governance and ethics.
