A debate surrounding the Church and Political class in Kenya as far as church donations are concerned continues to draw sharp support and criticism in equal measure across different divides.

The recent unfolding is the rejection of donation by the Catholic Church amounting to KSh5.8 million made by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Soweto Catholic Church in Kayole, Nairobi.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Catholic Church through Nairobi Metropolitan Archbishop Philip Anyolo rejected the donation and reiterated that the monies would be sent back to office of the President and Nairobi Governor.

The controversial donation, requested by St. Joakim and Anne Parish Priest during mass, was meant to help the church’s choir, construction of father’s residence as well as purchase of a new Church choir uniforms.

In a statement released by the Church through Archbishop Philip Anyolo, it stated “the Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of Church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion”.

In response, Office of the President through Statehouse Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, stated they have not yet received back the President’s donation as stated by Archbishop Anyolo.

However, these developments have not sat well with a section of Soweto residents who say instead of returning the money back, the donations should be invested in community projects that can impact their lives positively such as payment of youths in ‘Kazi Mtaani’ who lament not receiving payments for work done in the area.

“Ruto is the president, so when he contributes it will make headlines. As a community, we would like to see the money returned to the church so it can further projects,” one resident of Soweto area told journalists.

Action by the catholic church has also drawn reactions both locally and internationally with netizens terming this move by the church bold, citing examples of other African countries where such reactions are unheard of.

For instance, TikTok users from Nigeria such as Isa_Talker claimed most Churches in their country are “in bed” with the government and therefore can never make such a move like one witnessed in Kenya.

The Atheists Society of Kenya have also lauded the Catholic Church for declining the donation.

In a statement, the 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.

“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.”