The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Jackson Ole Sapit, has urged Kenyans to reject financial contributions from political leaders, asserting that much of the money donated is stolen tax revenue. In a press briefing on Tuesday, December 3, Ole Sapit called on citizens to stop celebrating political figures who offer monetary support, as the source of such funds is often unclear.
“I encourage all of us as Kenyans to reject contributions by political leaders and their appointees, knowing that most of the money given is stolen taxes. We must stop celebrating whenever the President, Members of Parliament, Governors, MCAs, and other political actors donate money whose source is not clear,” he stated.
This statement came just two days after President William Ruto donated Ksh 5 million to the Crispinus Anglican Church in Bungoma. On Sunday, December 1, while presenting the donation, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka defended the act, saying there was nothing inappropriate about leaders supporting church initiatives. “There is nothing wrong with leaders contributing to God’s work. I hope you won’t reject it; if you don’t want it, you can give it to me,” he remarked.
This controversy follows an earlier incident on November 18, 2024, when Metropolitan Archbishop Most Rev. Philip Anyolo made headlines by directing Soweto Catholic Church to refund donations made by Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. According to a statement by Archbishop Anyolo, these donations violated the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill. The statement explained that the bill requires anyone soliciting or receiving money for fundraising purposes to obtain a permit, and such donations must comply with the legislation.
In response, Ruto defended his actions, emphasizing that his generosity was not driven by political motives or the desire for publicity, but by his personal conviction. “We are going to give for the building of the church and God’s work because we are a product of giving ourselves. Our salvation is a product of giving. It is God who gave first, and that is why we have the privilege to know Christ and believe in Him. He gave his only begotten son so that today, we can equally be saved,” he explained.
