Seven days after President William Ruto gave a handsome donation to a Catholic church in Soweto, Nairobi East, sparking mixed reactions across the country, he has vowed to continue with his giving culture.
Speaking on Sunday, November 24, 2024, the Head of State indicated that he had built churches for over 30 years and he has reaped from his kindness.
Ruto further explained that he had a deep knowledge of the word of God and knew the merits and demerits of giving despite receiving backlash from a section of Kenyans.
He maintained that he was a product of giving and that any negative feedback would not deter his efforts in helping to build churches across the country.
“We understand the word of God enough to know that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that’s what we are going to do. Do not be worried we are going to build churches.
“We will cooperate because I have built churches for over 30 years and I have never lacked because I know the secret of giving and I know what it does,” Rutp stated.
“I as William Ruto I am a product of giving and I know what I should do,” he added.
President @WilliamsRuto :
— Hussein Mohamed, MBS. (@HusseinMohamedg) November 24, 2024
“I am product of giving.” pic.twitter.com/5O7gGgomrG
Donation rejected
His sentiments come just six days after the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi rejected his cash donation and that of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
During the service, Ruto donated Ksh600,000 to the church choir while Sakaja gave Ksh200,000. Ruto at the same time gave Ksh2 million for the construction of the parish priest’s house and pledged another Ksh3 million for the same.
Ruto further pledged to deliver a bus to the church in January 2025.
But Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo said the donated cash would be returned and added that the promised bus would not be accepted.
Archbishop Anyolo stated that the Nairobi Church will maintain a firm stance on politicians’ donations, highlighting the Church’s need to safeguard itself from being used for political purposes.
“These funds will be returned to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional Ksh3 million for the construction of the Father’s house as well as donations for the parish bus by the president are hereby declined,” Anyolo’s statement read in part.
“Politicians are advised to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by KCCB. The church must remain a neutral entity free from political influence to effectively serve as a space for spiritual growth and community guidance,” it added.
