"We’ll take the money elsewhere", Ruto allies slam clerics over donation rejection

President William Ruto's close associates have criticised clerics for rejecting donations from politicians, asserting that such contributions are meant to serve God and aid church development.

Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah made the remarks during a fundraiser at Kitalaposho AIC Church in West Pokot County, where they splashed millions, including contributions from President Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking at the event where they donated Sh5 million, Ichung’wah dismissed claims that political donations to churches were inappropriate.

"We don't donate money in church to impress bishops. We give to build churches, and we shall not stop," he said.

The fundraiser comes amid mounting criticism from some religious leaders, including the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, which recently rejected donations from President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo cited ethical concerns and the importance of preserving the Church's independence from political influence, rejecting contributions intended for a parish priest’s house, a bus and other projects.

"Act of faith"

However, Ichung’wah defended the practice as an act of faith rather than a political gesture.

"We give to God, not to gain approval from leaders or the public. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us that giving is a sacrifice pleasing to God," he said.

Leader of the Majority at the National Assembly and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung'wah. (Photo: Handout)

Kibet questioned why some clerics oppose donations, arguing that churches rely on support for development.

"If they don’t want the money, we will take it where it’s needed. Bishops should understand they are Kenyans like us," he said.

Their criticism seemed to align with their leader’s remarks, who said he won’t stop giving, despite rejections of his donations by some religious institutions.

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

While linking his commitment to giving to the biblical analogy of God's sacrifice of His son for mankind's salvation, he claimed that he has over 30 years of experience in giving and knows how it has helped him.

"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 for me as William Ruto. I am a product of giving, and therefore I know,” Ruto said.

"We are going to give for the building of the church and for 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.”

The debate over political donations to churches has spotlighted the tension between Kenya's political and religious institutions, raising questions about the ethics and implications of such contributions.

Despite the concerns, the leaders have continued with their donations, with Ruto at the forefront, pledging another Sh15 million towards the upgrade of primary and secondary schools in Kipsitet, a locality in Kericho County.

Meanwhile, West Pokot leaders attending the event also lobbied for the appointment of former Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo as Cabinet Secretary for Interior Security, citing his knowledge of regional security challenges.