The Archdiocese of Nairobi has reiterated its stance on political donations, confirming that it returned Ksh2.8 million received from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, November 30, 2024, Archbishop Philip Anyolo emphasized the Church’s commitment to preserving its independence and ethical principles.
Archbishop Anyolo explained that the decision to return the money was consistent with the Church’s long-standing practice of declining donations that could compromise its mission or integrity.
“We returned everything. I do not want to say what the President has already said in public because he already said it. I’m not a politician. I do not want to argue over what politicians have said. We returned everything and we will continue to do so,” Anyolo stated.
Adding;
“And it’s not the first time we are doing so. It’s just that this one was brought to the media and public. And also, when we are wrong as a church, people tell us, and we make things right. The spirit of listening is very important; as leaders, let us embrace that.”
Rejected
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the Archdiocese rejected several contributions made during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church. Governor Sakaja had contributed Ksh200,000 to support the Parish Choir and the Parish Missionary Council (PMC), while President Ruto donated Ksh600,000 to the same groups.
In addition, President Ruto committed Ksh2 million for the construction of a father’s house, promised an extra Ksh3 million for the project, and pledged to provide a bus for the parish.
“These include the Governor of Nairobi’s donation of Ksh 200,000 to the parish choir and PMC; the President’s donation of Ksh 600,000 to the choir and PMC; and Ksh 2 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house. These funds will be refunded to the respective donors,” the archdiocese clarified in a statement.
He also said the Church has declined the additional Ksh3 million construction pledge and the offer of a parish bus from President Ruto.
Anyolo who spoke on behalf of the archdiocese, said the Church’s decision aligns with the directives issued by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which regulates how and when donations can be solicited or accepted.
Unlawful
The KCCB issued a statement on November 14, 2024, noting the importance of safeguarding the Church’s sanctity and maintaining clear boundaries with political figures.
Archbishop Anyolo reiterated the Church’s position, highlighting the legal and ethical implications of such donations.
“Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, under Section 10(2), deems 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,” he said in the statement
He mentioned that the law also requires fundraising appeals to have a permit, which the donations in question lacked. As such, they were deemed non-compliant with both the law and the Church’s guidelines.
