President Ruto Donates Ksh.5M To An Anglican Church In Bungoma
President William Ruto contributed Ksh. 5 million to Crispinus Anglican Church in Bungoma on Sunday, reigniting the issue about political donations to religious institutions and the confluence of politics and the pulpit.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka personally handed over the monetary donation to the church in a rucksack.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka today handed over Sh5 million to Bishop Mechumo of St Crispin ACK Church in Bungoma. He thanked the Bishop for his prayers that have seen the County prosper from strength to strength. @AokoOtieno_@katakafanuel @itskipronoh @zmokingun @Honeyfarsafi pic.twitter.com/xtuC9ypGM5
— Bungoma County Ke (@BungomaCountyKe) December 1, 2024
Speaking to the congregation, Lusaka defended the payment, stating that it was not wrong for leaders to fund Church activity.
“There is nothing wrong with leaders contributing to God’s work,” Lusaka said.
In a widely distributed video of the Thanksgiving celebration, the Bungoma chief took bundles of cash from a grey backpack.
“I hope haitarudishwa,” Lusaka joked, “mkikataa mnipatie mimi mwenyewe.”
Ruto Delivers 5M to ACK Church in Bungoma through Governor Ken Lusaka!Ama pia hii Mtarudisha? pic.twitter.com/WAZawXtJuZ
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) December 2, 2024
The payment follows the Catholic Church’s decision to reject Ksh. 5.6 million previously offered by President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to the Soweto Catholic Church.
In a statement issued on November 14, 2024, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) emphasized the Church’s dedication to maintaining its independence and holiness.
The KCCB edict, read in all Catholic churches in the Archdiocese on November 17, 2024, emphasized ethical issues about political contributions and warned against using religious platforms for political benefit.
Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo, responding on behalf of the Archdiocese, emphasized the Church’s objection to such donations, noting the newly passed Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which seeks to regulate fundraising activities and avoid potential abuse.
“The Church cannot be an avenue for political gain or manipulation. Its sanctity must be preserved,” Archbishop Anyolo stated.
Despite the Catholic Church’s hard stance, Ruto’s supporters have continued to defend political leaders’ donations to churches.
Speaking in Kajiado on Sunday, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah stated that such contributions are a statement of faith, not political opportunism.
“The Church belongs to Christ, not an individual bishop. When we donate, it is an act of worship and obedience to God’s command, not a political statement,” Ichung’wah said.
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Governor Lusaka reiterated similar remarks, urging clergy to engage with authorities in a courteous and helpful manner.
“As leaders, we represent the voice of the people and welcome criticism, but it must be delivered with decorum and based on accurate information,” Lusaka remarked.
The controversy over church funding has rekindled national debates about the Church’s role in politics and whether politicians utilize religious groups to gain support from citizens.
Critics believe that such acts harm the Church’s legitimacy, while proponents regard them as a valid way of giving back to society.
President Ruto Donates Ksh.5M To An Anglican Church In Bungoma
