Nairobi, Kenya – In a decisive move to safeguard the sanctity and independence of the Church, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Nairobi, Most Rev. Philip A. Anyolo, has rejected political donations amounting to millions of shillings.
The Archbishop’s action follows directives from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) aimed at ensuring that the Church remains free from political influence.
The donations in question, made during a Sunday service at Soweto Catholic Church on November 17, included KSh 2.8 million from high-profile politicians, including the President and the Governor of Nairobi.
These funds, intended for projects such as a parish bus, support for the parish choir, and construction of the Fathers’ house, will be refunded in line with the Church’s ethical stance. Additionally, the Archbishop declined a promised KSh 3 million donation for construction and a parish bus offered by the President.
“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion,” Archbishop Anyolo stated in his letter dated November 18.
He emphasized the Church’s commitment to integrity and neutrality, asserting that political donations could compromise its independence and inadvertently facilitate unjust enrichment.
Upholding the Church’s Ethical Standards
This move aligns with a KCCB statement issued on November 14, 2024, which called on political leaders to address pressing national issues, including corruption, over-taxation, and human rights violations, rather than using the Church for political gain.
The bishops also urged clergy to reject any contributions that might undermine the Church’s role as a neutral spiritual and community guide.
Archbishop Anyolo reaffirmed this position, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity of worship spaces and resist their politicization.
“Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their positions for political gain,” he noted.
Compliance with the Law
The Archbishop’s statement also cited the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which requires permits for any fundraising activities involving the solicitation or receipt of funds. The donations at Soweto Catholic Church were deemed to contravene both the law and Church directives.
This bold action sends a clear message to both politicians and clergy, reinforcing the Church’s role as a place of spiritual growth and ethical leadership, free from external influence.
It also underscores the bishops’ broader call for political leaders to prioritize the welfare of Kenyans by addressing corruption, unfulfilled promises, and other governance issues.
The Archdiocese of Nairobi’s firm stance is expected to set a precedent for other religious institutions across the country, promoting accountability and ethical leadership.
