Keep to your lane, MPs tell religious leaders in row over church donations
From left: Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
What you need to know:
- Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said the clergy cannot stop politicians from contributing to church developments.
- Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the clergy should raise specific issues instead of generalised condemnation.
MPs have told off the clergy, telling them to keep off politics and stick to their mandate of offering spiritual nourishment.
The lawmakers took on religious leaders accusing them of burdening them with cards for fundraising while at the same time demonising them that their monies are proceeds of corruption. This even as they accused them of failing the society by engaging in politics.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had no kind words for the clergy saying they cannot intimidate politicians from contributing to church developments as it’s the same church leaders that invite them.
“I have never seen a politician inviting himself to fundraise in church; religious leaders must not make it look like we invite ourselves to churches to contribute money, we have many other places we can take this money,” Mr Ichung’wah said.
“We must not be afraid to tell our religious leaders that even when we do good and give in church, we don’t do that to please the bishops, reverends or church members, we do it because it is pleasing to God,” he added.
While revisiting donations made by President William Ruto at church in Nairobi’s Soweto Catholic church, Mr Ichung’wah said it’s the church leaders who asked for help in the building of the fathers’ house and a road only for the Archbishop to turn back and announce that the money will be returned.
“I accompanied the President and when we were having tea, it’s the religious leaders who sought the help to build a house for the father and a road. When I saw the Archbishop writing a letter that they will refund, I was shocked but I can confirm that not a single cent has been sent, and when they send it back, there are hundreds of churches waiting for it,” Mr Ichung’wah said.
“It cannot be that my money when I was in business was not corrupt money but now that I have been elected, its corrupt money,” he added.
Mr Ichung’wah was referring to the decision by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi to decline a donation of Sh5.6 million by President Ruto last week citing ethical considerations.
The church also said it will be refunding Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja his contribution, with Nairobi Archbishop Philip Amolo, explaining that the donations by the two senior government officials contravened the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024.
Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said the clergy must respect elected leaders and that they should raise specific issues with MPs instead of generalised condemnation in the media.
“We respect our religious leaders because they are the people who guide us spiritually but politics is different from religion. If you have an issue that you are not happy with, as a leader of the religious sector, address MPs with decorum, don't belittle them,” Mr Mohamed said.
“If religious leaders can speak in the church, then they will also speak in parliament. There must be mutual respect,” he added.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro accused the clergy of being loudly silent on critical matters affecting the society such as femicide but are quick to point accusing finger at politicians.
“Religious leaders are very quiet now on matters touching on the public. Right now we have our women and young girls being killed, we have not heard religious leaders speaking about,” Mr Osoro said.
“Right now, our offices are full of cards of fundraisers from churches, it is shocking. Are we only important when we contribute to their bills? he asked.
Read: The truth shall set you free: Cordial relationship between Ruto government and Church is fast fading
Eldas MP Adan Keynan pointed out that there is need for respect between politicians as those in authority and the religious leaders saying those who dissatisfied with the political leadership to wait until 2027 to make the changes they desire.
“When you think you are the most qualified Sheikh or bishop, wait for 2027 and present yourself to the people, get elected so that you can do what you think is right,” Mr Keynan said.
Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie called on the clergy to first check the log on their eyes before shouting about the spec in the politicians’ eyes’
“There is nothing they are calling people that they are not doing. There is immorality in churches, thievery and a lot of evil happening, let politics be done by politicians and the clergy be true to their call,” Mr Kiarie said.
Minority Whip Millie Odhiambo regretted that society risk suffering if the church engages in war of words with politicians saying the church should be a voice of reason in the society.
“The church called my party leader a demon, they told us that President Ruto was ordained by God, when did God unordained him? Are you listening to yourself or to God? She asked.
