Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua committed Ksh1 million to the ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu to support construction works.
The donation was delivered by Kiambu Senator Karungi Thangwa on Sunday, November 24; the deputy president was not present.
Addressing the faithful, in light of the recent controversy around politicians' cash donations in churches, Thangwa said Gachagua's pledge was in good faith.
The senator added that Gachagua's pledge came long before questions started coming up about the politicians' generosity in churches.
To absolve Gachagua of any questions from the public, Thangwa explained that it was a promise kept after it was made a long time ago.
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"We have had to fear because we saw some people taking cash donations to church, and they were returned. The church wrote to the president and his people, but the former president was not. He (Gachagua) was here previously and announced he owed you money for paint. He gave me Sh 1 million, which I have kept since October 27. So he has kept his promise, which he made a long time ago," the senator said.
This came days after the Soweto Catholic Church was ordered to 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 would be refunded by the church.
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," he said.
The senior cleric made it clear that while politicians are welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, they must do so as ordinary Christians.
