AIC bishops back church donations

Clerics from President William Ruto’s home area have told off their colleagues who are against politicians giving churches money.

The men of the cloth spoke when President Ruto attended a service at African Inland Church (AIC) Kipkorgot, in Uasin Gishu county.

Eldoret Area AIC Bishop Luka Maiyo said the church should not discriminate against congregants based on status.

Maiyo said politicians have helped to initiate development, including building churches. 

“I have a problem today, differentiating the hierarchy of members of this church. For instance, you cannot separate Honourable Chepkonga (Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga) from his faith and his daily job. He has built churches and schools. If we were to refund the politicians, it would be impossible,” Bishop Maiyo said.

The bishop also praised Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, saying one can  mistake him for an evangelist because of the service he renders to the church.

“We often run into trouble with his bodyguards for going too close to him because he serves God with us,” he said.

Maiyo criticised Nairobi Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo for prohibiting politicians from giving churches money, saying Catholics worship in churches built by Ruto and the political class.

“You have a hand in other churches built around this area, including Catholic churches in Kesses and Kapsabet. Let’s be honest,” he said.

Maiyo explained that matters of the spirit are deep.

“When the president comes to the altar with his offering, should I discriminate him?” he posed.

He urged President Ruto, who may be in the county for Christmas, to visit AIC churches in the area and address their financial problems.

Bishop Maiyo cracked up he congregation when he revealed how Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi threatened to quit AIC if he rejected him for being polygamous.

“I once met with Sudi at his church AIC Lemook. ‘He told me bishop, I have two wives and if you are going to chase me away, I will transfer to another church.

I received him the way he was and dedicated him with his wives and children.

Keiyo Marakwet AIC Bishop David Kipsoi defended politicians for giving money to build churches, saying that the move should not be misconstrued for prestige or show off. 

“The church is a sacred place, devoted to a Deity for religious and national purposes. The church is not only for worship but it is part of national issues. Let’s stop mixing personal issues with spiritual matters,” Bishop Kiposi said.

Ruto said that the church should be at the forefront in moulding  children as much as it criticises the government in areas where it falls below the expectations of Kenyans.

“The government cannot parent your children. Every parent must do their job with the help of the church. That way, we will reduce cases of femicide and drug abuse, if we build a solid character of the children at an early age,” Ruto said.

Ruto offered to contribute Sh5 million to the church to build a sanctuary for Sunday School.

The President maintained that he would continue to support churches and was unapologetic. “I want to give you free advice. You never go wrong by giving to God. Look at me. I am a living testimony of a person who never went wrong for giving to God. ,” Ruto said.