The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has rejected politicians’ cash donations. In a letter seen by the Star and signed by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, the church leadership has rejected cash donations made to the church by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Jonson Sakaja over the weekend.
Our calls and SMS to confirm the authenticity of the letter to the Nairobi Archdiocese Office Procure remained unanswered by press time.
On Sunday, President Ruto attended a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi, accompanied by Nairobi Governor Sakaja.
In the letter, the Nairobi Diocese said Ruto donated Sh600,000 to the Soweto Catholic Church choir and parish missionary, while Governor Sakaja donated Sh200,000. The President also donated Sh2 million to construct the Father’s house and promised to gift the church a bus in January.
However, in the letter the church has been posting online, 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 Sh3 million for the construction of the Father’s house as well as donations for the parish bus by the president are hereby declined,” the letter reads in part.
In the letter, Anyolo admonishes the church to uphold integrity and refuse contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence.
“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, the letter reads in part.
On Thursday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) alleged that the continued imposition of new taxes on Kenyans is a secret way to reintroduce the rejected Finance Bill.
While acknowledging that the government can only raise its revenue through taxes, the bishops regretted that the citizenry was being overtaxed.
Addressing the press Thursday in Nairobi, the bishops raised concerns over what they have termed “unreasonable” taxes being introduced “from day to day.”
“It seems this is a hidden way of reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill, 2024. We must keenly listen to the cry of the people; the current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome,” said Maurice Muhatia in a statement.
The bishops at the same time took issue with cases of alleged abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings being reported across the country.
They argued that these cases are happening at a time when many families are still grappling with the loss of their loved ones during the June demonstrations.
