Weeks after the Catholic Church rejected President William Ruto’s donation, the Head of State has come out to preach unity between the state and the church.

Speaking on Sunday, December 1, 2024, President Ruto clarified that the state and the church are not in competition.

While downplaying the rift, the president pleaded with various church leaders to drop the exchange of words and champion unity. The Head of State indicated that the recent war of words between some men of the cloth and lawmakers is unwarranted.

He made the remarks after promising to help a church in Kajiado where he attended the Sunday service acquire a bigger tent and chairs.

While responding to their request, Ruto maintained that he would not use the money which the Catholic Church vowed to return to help them acquire the tent.

However, he promised to help them according to their request.

“Nimeona ya kwamba mumesema ati sijui kuna maneno gani ile itarudishwa. Siwezi kuwapatia ile itarudishwa, mimi nitawapatia yenu, ile mumeuliza.

“Hii ingine tuwachane tu na mambo mambo ya ugomvi. Hakuna haja ya kurushiana maneno, hakuna haja ya kuwa na mashindano, hakuna haja ya haya mambo yote.

“Mimi nataka niwaambie watu watulize maneno. There is no competition between the church and the state; we are partners; we are one country,” Ruto stated.

(I have heard that you have said that there are some other things that will be returned (referring to the rejected donation). I will not give you what will be returned, but I will give you what you have requested.

“There is no need to hurl insulting words; there is no need to be in competition; there is no need of all the other things.

“I want to ask you to calm down; there is no competition between the church and the state. We are partners, and we are one country).

Rejected donation

His sentiments come after Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo rejected Ruto’s donation.

President Ruto had attended a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi accompanied by Governor Sakaja, during which he made several donations.

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.

The Head of State at the same time promised to deliver a bus to the church in January.

However, Anyolo cited a directive by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that banned such donations.

Archbishop Anyolo further 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.