NAIROBI, Kenya – The Archdiocese of Nairobi has declined donations totaling KSh 2.8 million from the President and the Governor of Nairobi, citing adherence to Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directives on political contributions to the Church.
In a statement dated November 18, 2024, Archbishop Philip Anyolo emphasized the Church’s commitment to safeguarding its independence and neutrality from political influence.
He condemned the use of church events, such as fundraisers, as platforms for political self-promotion and reiterated that places of worship must remain sanctuaries for spiritual growth, free from divisive political rhetoric.
The statement highlighted that donations made during a service at Soweto Catholic Church on November 17, including KSh 200,000 from the Governor of Nairobi and KSh 2.8 million from the President for various church projects, were declined.
Archbishop Anyolo indicated that the funds would be refunded to the respective donors.
“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment,” he stated.
The Archbishop also referenced the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, which requires prior government approval for any public fundraising appeals.
He noted that the donations did not comply with these legal requirements.
The KCCB, in a statement issued earlier on November 14, had urged politicians to address pressing national issues instead of using church gatherings for political gains.
The bishops raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including corruption, unfulfilled promises, over-taxation, and the misuse of public office.
“Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership and avoid turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces,” Archbishop Anyolo emphasized.
The Church also called on leaders to focus on addressing violations of human rights, the integrity of national institutions, and issues surrounding the NHIF and social welfare programs.
The statement reaffirmed that politicians are welcome to attend church for spiritual nourishment but must refrain from leveraging their positions for personal or political gain.
In a statement dated November 18, 2024, Archbishop Philip Anyolo emphasized the Church’s commitment to safeguarding its independence and neutrality from political influence.
He condemned the use of church events, such as fundraisers, as platforms for political self-promotion and reiterated that places of worship must remain sanctuaries for spiritual growth, free from divisive political rhetoric.
The statement highlighted that donations made during a service at Soweto Catholic Church on November 17, including KSh 200,000 from the Governor of Nairobi and KSh 2.8 million from the President for various church projects, were declined.
Archbishop Anyolo indicated that the funds would be refunded to the respective donors.
“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment,” he stated.
The Archbishop also referenced the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, 2024, which requires prior government approval for any public fundraising appeals.
He noted that the donations did not comply with these legal requirements.
The KCCB, in a statement issued earlier on November 14, had urged politicians to address pressing national issues instead of using church gatherings for political gains.
The bishops raised concerns about ongoing challenges, including corruption, unfulfilled promises, over-taxation, and the misuse of public office.
“Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership and avoid turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship spaces,” Archbishop Anyolo emphasized.
The Church also called on leaders to focus on addressing violations of human rights, the integrity of national institutions, and issues surrounding the NHIF and social welfare programs.
The statement reaffirmed that politicians are welcome to attend church for spiritual nourishment but must refrain from leveraging their positions for personal or political gain.
