Amidst public criticism of its ties to politicians and recent bishops' rebukes of the government's broken election promises, Kenya's Catholic Church rejected a roughly $40,000 donation from President William Ruto, citing ethical concerns and fears of political exploitation.
After the news of the donation proposed by Ruto appeared in local media, many Kenyans called on the Catholic Church to reject the offer.
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo rejected donations from President Ruto and Governor Sakaja, citing concerns about political exploitation of church events.
"The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events as platforms for political self-promotion," he said.
Anyolo also stressed that these contributions violated both Church regulations and Kenyan legislation.