I won’t stop giving - Ruto says despite rejection of church donations

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the church, despite recent rejections of his donations by some religious institutions.

Speaking during an interdenominational church service in Kericho County on Sunday, November 24, Ruto explained that his acts of generosity are rooted in personal conviction rather than political ambitions.

He likened his commitment to giving to the biblical analogy of God's sacrifice of His son for mankind's salvation.

"We are going to give for the building of church and God's work, because we are a product of giving ourselves. Our salvation is a product of giving. It is God who gave first. That is why we have the privilege to know Christ. That is why we believe in God because God gave his only begotten Son so that today we can equally be saved. And because God gave as an example, we are going to give in keeping so that the word of God can reach others who have not known God and we are going to serve God through our giving,” he said.

“So we have absolutely no apologies to make as we give to God, because God gave first, and we understand the word of God enough to know that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that is what we are going to do."

Ruto further emphasised the importance of giving, quoting the Bible's teaching that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

"I have built churches for over 30 years, and I have never lacked because I know the secret of giving, and I know what it does to me as William Ruto, I am a product of giving, and therefore I know,” Ruto said.

In a show of continued support, Ruto pledged Sh15 million towards the upgrade of primary and secondary schools in Kipsitet, a locality in Kericho County.

Meanwhile, Malava MP Malulu Injendi voiced criticism towards the leadership of the Catholic Church in Kenya, following the rejection of a Sh5.8 million donation from Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Speaking during the same interdenominational service in Kericho, Injendi expressed disappointment over the Catholic Church’s decision, calling it a “shame” and asking the bishops for forgiveness.

"We were ashamed and I would like to appeal to our bishops that you cannot do what you did to the President. May God forgive and bless you," Injendi said.

The lawmaker, who identified as a Catholic, went on to highlight the church’s ongoing financial challenges, stressing that the rejection of the donation was inappropriate given the church’s need for resources, including funds for building projects.

"As you can see, I have my rosary on, and that means I am a Catholic. Mr. President, we have a lot of requirements and needs as Catholics including buildings and other things," he added.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap — Luke 6:38.

During an interdenominational Sunday service at Kipsitet Primary School, Kericho County. pic.twitter.com/AYYP8LKa71

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) November 24, 2024

Injendi also claimed that the financial assistance the Catholic Church once received from its headquarters in Rome had ceased, leaving local believers to bear the brunt of the church’s needs.

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"The help and assistance we used to get from abroad, we no longer receive. It is these believers who instead bear the brunt. We were surprised after taking you on a tour of our church, it is a shame that you sacrificed your salary only for our bishops to sit and do what they did," Injendi said.

The controversy follows an order from Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo on November 18, instructing the Soweto Catholic Church to return the donations made by Ruto and Sakaja.

Anyolo stated that the donations violated the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill, which requires a permit for any fundraising appeal.

"The donations of Sh200,000 from Sakaja and Sh5.6 million from Ruto will be refunded in accordance with the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024," Anyolo said in a statement.

Additionally, Anyolo cautioned against using church events for political self-promotion, urging politicians to refrain from turning the pulpit into a political platform. He emphasised the church's responsibility to uphold its integrity by rejecting contributions that might compromise its independence.

"Politicians are welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they must do so as ordinary Christians," Anyolo said.