The Archdiocese of Nairobi has maintained its position on political donations, saying that it had returned Ksh2.8 million received from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo spoke to the media on Saturday, November 30, 2024, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to maintaining its independence and ethical ideals.
Archbishop Anyolo noted that the decision to return the money was in line with the Church’s long-standing policy of denying donations that could jeopardize 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.
“And it’s not the first time we are doing so. It’s just that this one was brought to the media and public.”
He continued, “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.”
On Sunday, November 17, 2024, the Archdiocese declined multiple contributions offered during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church.
Governor Sakaja presented Ksh200,000 to the Parish Choir and the Parish Missionary Council (PMC), while President Ruto gave Ksh600,000 to the same organizations.
In addition, President Ruto contributed Ksh2 million for the construction of a father’s house, another Ksh3 million for the project, and a bus for the parish.
He added that the Church had turned down President Ruto’s offer of a parish bus and the additional Ksh3 million development pledge.
Speaking on behalf of the archdiocese, Anyolo said the Church’s decision is in line with the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) guidelines, which govern when and how donations can be requested or accepted.
