Soweto Catholic Church will refund donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
In a statement on Monday, November 18, Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Anyolo said the donations were made in violation of the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill.
"In light of these directives, and in adherence to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 under Section 10(2), it is deemed that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect. Such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the Bill," the statement read.
As such, Anyolo noted that Ksh 200,000 donated by Sakaja and a total of Ksh2.6 million donated by Ruto will be refunded by the church.
"Consequently, the donations made to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, 17th November 2024, are in violation of these directives and the law. These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of KSh 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 Fathers’ house. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional KSh 3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the President, are hereby declined," the statement added.
Read More
Anyolo also discouraged the use of church events for political self-promotion and asked politicians to refrain from turning the pulpit into a political stage.
"The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including political wrangles, corruption, politics of self-interest, violations of human rights and freedom of speech, the culture of lies, issues surrounding NHIF, unfulfilled promises, misplaced priorities, selfish agendas to extend terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans. The Church must remain a neutral entity, free from political influence, to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance," the statement further read.
Anyolo made it clear that while politicians are welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, they must do so as ordinary Christians.
This statement came hours after a section of Kenyans including activist Morara Kebaso asked Soweto Catholic Church to refund the donations.
In an update on Monday morning, the lawyer asked the church to reject the offer, terming the contribution as proceeds of theft.
"We demand that the Catholic Church in Soweto rejects the Ksh 5 million contribution from Ruto. Please return the money or reject the offer. We cannot afford a situation where the church is silenced using fat contributions that are proceeds of theft," he wrote.
