Gachagua donates Sh1 million to church amid political donation controversy
By Lucy Mumbi |
Senator Thang'wa defended the donation clarifying that Gachagua's pledge was made in good faith long before the recent controversy surrounding political donations to churches.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has donated Sh1 million to the ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu to support ongoing construction works, amid controversy over church donations.
The contribution, which was delivered by Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa on Sunday, November 24, came at a time when donations by politicians to churches have sparked debate and scrutiny.
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Addressing the congregation, Thang'wa defended the donation clarifying that Gachagua's pledge was made in good faith long before the recent controversy surrounding political donations to churches.
He emphasised that the donation was a promise Gachagua had made previously, well before concerns began to surface about the role of politicians' contributions in church activities.
“We have had to fear because we saw some people taking cash donations to church, and they were returned. The church wrote to the president and his people, but the former president was not involved. He (Gachagua) was here previously and announced he owed you money for paint. He gave me Sh1 million, which I have kept since October 27. So he has kept his promise, which he made a long time ago,” Thangwa explained.
The donation follows a decision earlier in the week when the Soweto Catholic Church was instructed to refund donations made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The action was taken after the church's contributions were deemed to violate the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill.
Violation
Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Anyolo explained that the donations made by the two politicians violated the Bill, which governs fundraising appeals.
“In light of these directives, and in adherence to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 under Section 10(2), it is deemed that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal, regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect. Such fundraising appeals require a permit in accordance with the Bill," Anyolo said.
As a result, the Sh200,000 donation from Sakaja and the Sh5.6 million from Ruto were to be refunded by the church.
The Archbishop also condemned the use of church events for political self-promotion, urging politicians to refrain from using the pulpit for political agendas.
"The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the KCCB, including political wrangles, corruption, politics of self-interest, violations of human rights and freedom of speech, the culture of lies, issues surrounding NHIF, unfulfilled promises, misplaced priorities, selfish agendas to extend terms of elected leaders, and over-taxation of Kenyans," Anyolo said.
The Archbishop clarified that while politicians are welcome in church for spiritual nourishment, they must attend as ordinary Christians and not as political figures.
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