The recent rejection of donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi during a mass at the Catholic Church in Soweto has sparked strong reactions within the religious community and Kenyan society. Archbishop Philip Anyolo’s decision to reject the contributions, in line with the policy of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that prohibits the Catholic Church from accepting political donations, has brought to the fore the issue of the independence and integrity of the Church in a tense political context.
Archbishop Anyolo’s announcement to return the funds and promises made by politicians, as well as to reject the donated bus, highlights the Church’s determination to maintain its neutrality and integrity in the face of any attempt at external influence. The Church’s strong stance on political donations underscores the importance of maintaining a spiritual and community space independent of political bias, in order to best serve the faithful and the community at large.
This decision comes at a time when the Kenya Catholic Bishops Conference recently expressed concerns about the management of the government and called for ethical and responsible leadership. The bishops highlighted the economic challenges facing the country, as well as the growing security concerns, including kidnappings, disappearances and extrajudicial killings. They called on the government to act to address these pressing issues and meet the expectations of citizens.
The bishops’ call for responsible leadership highlights the need for politicians to focus on good governance and addressing the real problems facing Kenyans on a daily basis. The criticism of taxes deemed excessive and the advocacy on behalf of families affected by the recent violence reflect the Catholic Church’s desire to be actively involved in the social and political life of the country, while remaining faithful to its spiritual mission.
In conclusion, the decision of the Archdiocese of Nairobi to refuse political donations and to reaffirm its commitment to social justice and integrity underlines the importance of a Church free from any external influence and ready to defend the values of peace, equity and solidarity. This episode illustrates the need for religious and political institutions to collaborate in mutual respect for their respective roles, in the service of the well-being and prosperity of all Kenyan citizens.