Church leaders in Tharaka have issued a public apology to President William Ruto following the rejection of his KSh 5 million donation by the Catholic Church. The incident, which has sparked widespread debate, highlights the delicate relationship between the state and religious institutions in Kenya.
The controversy began when President Ruto made a generous donation of KSh 5 million to the Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi. However, the church leadership, led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, declined the donation, citing concerns over the source of the funds and the potential implications of accepting such a large sum from a political figureĀ¹. This move was seen by many as a bold statement on the church’s stance on political donations.
In response to the rejection, church leaders from Tharaka, a region known for its strong religious community, have come forward to apologize to President Ruto. They expressed regret over the embarrassment caused by the incident and emphasized their respect and appreciation for the President’s efforts to support religious institutions.
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, speaking on behalf of the Tharaka church leaders, stated, “We deeply regret any offense caused to President Ruto. Our intention was never to embarrass him but to uphold the integrity of our religious institutions. We hope this apology will mend any rifts and foster a better understanding between the church and the state”
The public reaction to the incident has been mixed. Some Kenyans have praised the Catholic Church for taking a stand against political donations, arguing that it helps maintain the church’s independence and moral authority. Others, however, believe that the rejection was unnecessary and disrespectful to the President’s gesture of goodwill