The Atheists Society of Kenya has lauded the Catholic Church for declining a donation of KSh2.6 million from President William Ruto and KSh200,000 from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during their visit to Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday, November 17.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in a statement on Monday, November 18 evening said the funds donated by the politicians would be returned.

“Politicians are most welcome to attend Church for their spiritual nourishment, but they are encouraged to do so as ordinary Christians, without leveraging their political gain,” said Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo, on behalf of the Archdiocese of Nairobi.

In a statement, the Atheists Society said that by taking the firm stance against political contributions, the Catholic Church had demonstrated to Kenyans that it remains an agent for positive change and social transformation.

The society’s president, Harrison Mumia, said that although it was once a respected institution in the country, the Church had 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,” Mumia said. “In some instances, the church has remained silent in the face of gross human rights violations perpetrated by politicians or the government.”

Mumia accused the church of failing to remain neutral, and showing favouritism towards certain parties or politicians in the past.

According to the society, 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 marginalised 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,” the society said in the statement.