Kenyan President William Ruto has come under fire for continuing to donate large sums of money to churches, despite previously banning government officials from making public contributions, citing corruption concerns.
Ruto recently pledged 20 million Kenyan shillings ($150,000) to the Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Nairobi, sparking protests. Demonstrators gathered outside the church a week later, demanding the return of what they called “stolen tax money,” only to be dispersed by police with tear gas.
Church donations have long been a tradition in Kenya, with politicians using pulpits to connect with the public in the predominantly Christian nation. However, the practice has drawn increased scrutiny, especially following last year’s mass protests against tax hikes, corruption, and police brutality.
According to AFP, in June, Ruto announced a ban on state officials participating in church fundraisers, stating, “No state officer or public servant shall participate in public contributions or any harambees (fundraisers) going forward.”
“It is occasioning and it is breeding, if I may say, corruption,” Ruto added.
However, he has since reportedly ignored his directive. While protesters were being teargassed outside Jesus Winner Ministry Church, AFP reports stated that Ruto was in Eldoret, donating another 20 million shillings and promising to raise 100 million more for the same church.
Critics argue that the president’s lavish contributions raise questions about the source of the funds. “Where is this money coming from? Bring us the receipts,” said Mwabili Mwagodi, an activist behind the “Occupy Church” movement, which seeks to separate religion from politics.
Some churches have started rejecting political donations. Last year, the Catholic Church of Kenya refused Ruto’s contributions after activists pressured them to take a stand.
Despite concerns that these donations could be a front for money laundering or illegal use of public funds, a group of clergy has defended Ruto’s generosity, calling it “a Godly idea.”
Kenyan politicians have long used churches as campaign platforms, often delivering speeches from the pulpit. Reverend Timothy Njoya, a veteran activist preacher, has condemned the practice, saying it turns churches into “graveyards of spiritualism” where preachers “sell their members for votes.”
The National Council of Churches of Kenya has now barred politicians from announcing donations during services, but Ruto is said to have remained defiant, insisting he will continue to “build churches.”
