Catholic Bishop Rejects Presents From Mount Kenya Leaders
Bishop Maria Wainaina of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a has declined gifts presented by members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly.
Instead, Wainaina advised that the funds be allocated to a more deserving cause: a deaf school in Kerugoya.
The bishop, while applauding the ward delegates’ initiative, emphasized that as spiritual and public leaders, their efforts should prioritize the welfare of the poor.
“I thank you very much, but let us give the donations to more deserving people,” said Bishop Wainaina.
“There are students at the School for the Deaf in Kerugoya. Take it to them.”
The county representatives responded positively to the bishop’s call.
Murang’a Catholic Bishop Maria Wainaina rejects gifts from Kirinyaga County Assembly, directs them to a school of the deaf pic.twitter.com/DNCLitzupR
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 14, 2025
One MCA requested that the bishop sanctify the materials before they were delivered to the school.
“If you can allow it, we can collect the donations here and then take them to the school. We want you to pray for the donations before we take them there,” he said.
Bishop Wainaina’s decision comes as the church’s involvement in Kenya’s political environment is under increasing scrutiny, particularly in light of political donations.
The Catholic Church has recently taken a harder stance on political donations, distancing itself from alleged political influence gained through monetary contributions.
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This stance was highlighted last year when the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, led by Bishop Philip Anyolo, declined a Sh5.8 million payment from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church.
The refusal came after the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) issued a decree prohibiting politicians from using the pulpit to further political goals through gifts and pledges.
The donation included Ksh600,000 for choir members and Sh2 million for the construction of a priest’s residence.
Bishop Wainaina’s gesture in Kirinyaga echoed that same commitment – steering church interactions away from political symbolism and toward direct community impact.
Catholic Bishop Rejects Presents From Mount Kenya Leaders
