Catholic bishops reject $40,000 gift from Kenyan president

The African state’s archbishop, Philip Anyolo, says that such donations violate church rules

The Kenyan Catholic Church has rejected a cash donation of about $40,000 from the East African state’s president, William Ruto, citing “ethical concerns” and its values of integrity and independence from political interference.

The gift to the Soweto Catholic Church in the capital, Nairobi, on Sunday, came just days after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) criticized Ruto’s government for corruption, human rights abuses, and heightened tension in the country.

The Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip Anyolo, said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday that President Ruto had offered a total of 2.6 million Kenyan shillings ($20,000) to the choir, the Parish Missionary Council (PMC), and for the construction of a priest’s house.

He said Ruto promised to give an additional 3 million Kenyan shillings (about $23,000) toward the house project and to donate a bus to the parish.

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According to the statement, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who attended the church service alongside the president, also donated 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,544).

“These funds will be refunded to the respective donors. Furthermore, the promised additional KSh 3 million for the construction of the Fathers’ house, as well as the donation of a parish bus by the President, are hereby declined,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.

“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion,” he added.

The archbishop also urged authorities to address previous pressing concerns raised by the KCCB, including political wrangling, overtaxation of Kenyans, violations of freedom of speech, and unfulfilled promises.

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Ruto’s government has faced widespread criticism in recent months in the wake of deadly protests sparked by the country’s rising cost of living and a controversial finance bill that proposed tax hikes. The Kenyan leader withdrew the legislation in July after dozens of protesters were killed in clashes with riot police. He also restructured his cabinet in response.

Last Thursday, Kenyan bishops denounced the “blatant recurring incidents of reported abductions… increasing murder of women” and the killings of young protesters. The KCCB accused the government of fostering a “culture of lies.” 

However, in response, President Ruto said, “We must be careful to give factual information lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing.” Aaron Cheruiyot, senator for Kenya’s Kericho County, also accused the KCCB of “misleading the public” with a “purely political statement.”