President William Ruto has said he does not intend to stop giving donations to the church, even as some of the religious institutions happen to decline his generosity.
Speaking in Kericho county on Sunday, November 24, during an interdenominational church service, the president stated that his being is hinged on giving to the church, which has happened for the decades he has been a staunch Christian.
He said his generosity is not influenced by political prospects or clout, but by his personal conviction to support churches and gospel ministration.
Ruto pegged his take on the Bible analogy detailing how God sacrificed his only son to save mankind from sin.
"We are going to give for the building of the church and God's work because we are a product of giving ourselves. Our salvation is a product of giving. It is God who gave first, and that is why we have the privilege to know Christ and believe in Him. He gave his only begotten son so that today, we can equally be saved," he said.
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In an indirect reference to Bishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, Ruto said he had no apologies to make for pledging millions at the Soweto Catholic Church, where he attended the service last Sunday, November 17.
The president cited the Bible's prescription to the believers to prioritise giving at the expense of waiting to receive.
"We have absolutely no apologies to make as we give to God. We understand the word of God enough to know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that is what we are going to do. I have built churches for over 30 years, and I have never lacked because I know the secret of giving and what it does. I am a product of giving," said Ruto.
To make good his resolve, the president committed Sh 15 million to upgrade primary and secondary schools in Kipsitet, a locality within Kericho county.
On November 18, Anyolo ordered the Soweto Catholic Church to consider returning the donation given by Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
The senior cleric 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.
He made it clear that while politicians are welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, they must do so as ordinary Christians.
