Catholic Church Rejects William Ruto's KSh 5.6 Million Donation to Soweto Church: "Will Be Refunded"

In a move that has captured national attention, the Catholic Church has decided to reject a substantial donation of KSh 5.6 million from President William Ruto to a church in the Soweto area of Nairobi. The donation, made in support of religious institutions and community development projects, was returned by church officials within a short period after it was received.

According to the Church, the decision to return the money was based on strict adherence to the institution's policies regarding donations. Church leaders emphasized that they had to ensure all contributions align with their ethical standards, which include maintaining transparency and ensuring that donations come without any strings attached.

The Soweto church, which is situated in one of Nairobi's more marginalized communities, had initially welcomed the financial support, seeing it as a way to boost its ongoing projects, including infrastructure and outreach programs. However, after a brief period of consideration, Church leaders chose to reject the money, stating that the Church’s commitment to remaining apolitical was crucial to its mission and that accepting such a large donation could raise questions about the motives behind the donation. They also noted that the donation did not go through the proper channels and did not meet the necessary criteria for Church-endorsed contributions.

While the rejection has stirred some controversy, with various groups commenting on the president's efforts to support religious institutions, others have praised the Church’s stance as a model of integrity and accountability. Critics have pointed out that donations from political figures to religious institutions are often viewed with suspicion, as they could potentially be seen as a way to curry favor with influential religious leaders or gain political leverage.

In a statement released by the Church, it was made clear that the money would be refunded to the President's office, and they reiterated their commitment to neutrality in political matters. The Church further emphasized that the decision to return the funds was not a reflection of any ill will towards President Ruto, but rather a reflection of their dedication to upholding the values of fairness, transparency, and independence.