We Congratulate the Catholic Church for Rejecting Ruto Bribe

We congratulate the Catholic Church for declining a donation of Sh2.6 million from President William Ruto and KShs 200,000 from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. By taking this firm stance against political contributions, the Catholic Church has demonstrated to Kenyans that it remains an agent for positive change and social transformation. In effect, President William Ruto was bribing the Catholic Church. Once a respected institution, the Church in Kenya has over time lost its moral authority in the Kenyan political arena. Some church leaders have been involved in corruption, scandals, taking bribes, or misusing church funds. This has ultimately tarnished the reputation of the church and diminished its moral authority to speak against corruption in the political sphere. In some instances, the church has remained silent in the face of gross human rights violations perpetrated by politicians or the government.

President William Ruto accompanied with Governor Johnson Sakaja attend a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi.

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In the past, the church, instead of remaining neutral, has shown favoritism towards certain political parties or politicians. This has led to accusations of bias and compromised the church’s ability to be an impartial moral voice. The church should strive to recreate itself and rebrand itself and stand out to be a force to reckon with on matters of good governance, give the voiceless a voice and reach the marginalized with the best services equitably. Church holds a fundamental responsibility to address social justice issues and advocate for equality and justice. It is important to remember the crucial role the church played in Kenya in the 1990s. During the quest for multi-party democracy, the Church promoted ethical leadership among politicians and civil servants. Their involvement pressured authorities to address issues of inequality, social injustice, discrimination, and the protection of vulnerable groups. However, these achievements have become old wives’ fables and the church in Kenya has lost its luster.