Unless you've been living under a rock you know that the Catholic Church started a political conflagration last week after they criticized the government of President William Ruto.
This sparked a flurry of denials from state agencies and a series of diplomatic efforts from government officials attempting to mend fences with religious institutions.
As part of these overtures, some politicians made substantial donations during church services. President Ruto himself donated Ksh 5 million for construction of the Father’s house at Soweto Catholic Church, Nairobi and Ksh 300,000 to purchase children’s uniform.
However, in a bold move, the Archdiocese of Nairobi declined President Ruto's Sh5 million donation to Soweto Catholic Church; saying funds already received will be refunded.
It referenced the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directives that discourage political donations to churches and the use of church events for political self-promotion.
In line with these directives, the Archdiocese decided to refund donations of Ksh 200,000 from the Governor of Nairobi to the choir and Parish Missionary Council (PMC), Ksh 600,000 from President Ruto to the choir and PMC and Ksh 2 million from President Ruto for the construction of the Fathers' house.
Adding to the political tension, yesterday the Anglican Church of Kenya publicly backed the Catholic Church’s criticism of the government, further escalating the pressure on President Ruto’s administration.
This directive, which resonated widely, has been seen as a stand against attempts to use financial contributions to gain favour or influence within the Church.
Read some comments from Kenyans below:
Chairman #WeThePeople (@nathanrobe) Good move. The Catholic Church is leading the way, slowly but surely.
Clement.net (@clenata) That 5 million should be used to stock all public dispensaries in the Soweto area with medicine. He should donate an extra 5 million to build classrooms in Soweto public primary schools.
Mwalimu Wanjala IGCSE®️ (@critic_smart) We are fixing our country ??
Peter Mutala (@mutalap) Why did the church invite him? Why accept the donation in the first place? How can the church suddenly become clever?
Jenniffer (@Jenniff95080682) You can't beat this! Bravo to the Catholic Church for playing its rightful role as the nation's moral compass.
James Mwangi (@mwangiwamzee) Since the statement was made, they have attended three Catholic masses. Somebody advised them to go slow on attacking church leaders.
Mwangi Maina (@pmwangimaina) It's blood money. Good move rejecting it.
Rosemary Muathe (@mbithe_wabeekay) The church has a stand.
Asake (@wanjirulizzie) It was just weird how they criticised then the next day they receive bribe ..it is only fair they make a stand..at least this one is logical
Margaret Muthoni (@Maggskas) We can fund raise for our churches Wairimu
Anna (@WairimuAnna2) The problem here is because this was made public instead of being donated privately. If you know you know.
Amdrea GT (@AmdreaGt19431) The funds had been received already? I thought they were told to go collect at some other time. But it’s a good move. Would have appeared as a bribe.
Southsea M (@stevekonah)
Catholic existed before governments
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