President William Ruto’s close allies Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wah gave Sh5 million to a church in West Pokot County, where they hit out at a section of religious leaders claiming they were insulting politicians.
Their contributions to Kitalaposho AIC church during Sunday’s fundraiser included Sh2 million from President Ruto, Sh1 million from his deputy Kithure Kindiki, and Sh1 million from Mr Kibet and Mr Ichungwa.
Mr Kibet and Ichung'wah, who said they represented President Ruto at the church fundraiser, declared that they would continue giving churches donations despite criticism, saying they are meant for God and not religious leaders.
"We don't donate money in the church to please bishops. We shall not stop giving in churches,” Mr Ichungwah said.
President Ruto defends church donations amid criticism from Catholic Bishops
President Ruto gave Sh2 million for the construction of the Parish priest’s house, Sh600,000 to the parish choir and parish missionary council, and Governor Sakaj gave Sh200,000 to the same.
The President further pledged an additional Sh3 million towards the construction of the parish priest’s house and promised to buy the parish a bus, which the church declined through its Archbishop Most Rev Philip Anyolo.
In a statement issued on November 19, Archbishop Anyolo said Catholic bishops have consistently and strongly pronounced themselves on church donations from politicians, highlighting ethical concerns, the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, and the need to safeguard the church from being used for political purposes.
Archbishop Anyolo urged the Church to uphold integrity by rejecting contributions that could compromise its independence, noting that it must remain a neutral entity free from any political influence.
His statement came four days after Catholic bishops issued a statement criticising President Ruto’s government on harsh tax policies burdening Kenyans, human rights violations, and corruption.
Twenty-six bishops under the umbrella of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned what they termed as a culture of lies within government circles, citing a number of unfulfilled election campaigns by Dr Ruto more than two years into office.
In West Pokot, Mr Ichugwah and Mr Kibet claimed Church leaders had not returned the said money.
"If they return it, I will take the money and bring it here in West Pokot where many people need it,” Mr Kibet said, wondering ‘why some people are against their donations.’
National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung'wa and President William Ruto aid Faruk Kibet with West Pokot County leaders at Kitalaposho church in West Pokot County on November 24, 2024.
Photo credit: Oscar Kakai| Nation Media Group
"To complete these projects they need donations. Bishops should know that they are Kenyans like us. They should not feel big when they put on white colors and undermine us. You put on colors and we listen to you."
"I should not be told not to donate. I donate money to God. We have come here to donate money to help build the church," Mr Kibet said.
“We don't steal money to give out. We give out money in the open and it is not right to condemn those of us who do it. People deny themselves to give out. Not that we have a lot of money to give out. We don't want to wrangle with church leaders. We are also Kenyans," he added.
National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung'wa and President William Ruto aid Faruk Kibet with West Pokot County leaders at Kitalaposho church in West Pokot County on November 24, 2024.
Photo credit: Oscar Kakai| Nation Media Group
“We don't give to impress bishops or people but to develop the churches. Hebrews 13:16 says it is good to give out sacrifices you give to please God. The Bible cannot be amended and it is not bad. We were brought up in church. We give out as Christians not as politicians, " he said.
West Pokot leaders Senator Julius Murgor, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, West Pokot Woman Representative Rael Kasiwai, former West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo, and former Kacheliba MP Mark Lomunokol lobbied for the security cabinet secretary docket to be given to someone from the county, suggesting former Governor Prof John Lonyangapuo.
“We need Lonyangapuo to head the security docket because he understands security issues,” Ms Kasiwai said, with Mr Ichungwah backing the suggestion.
“He is a professor and up to the task; Farouk should inform the President about it,” he said.
