Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has announced that he will no longer participate in church donations starting in 2025.
Sudi made the declaration on Sunday, December 15, 2024, during an event where he distributed motorcycles to youth groups in his constituency.
“Investing in our youth means investing in our future. By providing these motorbikes, we’re not only empowering individuals but also strengthening our community. These young entrepreneurs will now have the tools to create sustainable livelihoods, boost local businesses, and contribute to the overall development of our country,” Sudi stated in a Facebook post.
He urged Kenyan youth to embrace income-generating opportunities and avoid idleness, particularly on social media platforms.
“Hawa vijana wengi unaona hawataki kufanya kazi. Lakini unawaskia tu kwa TikTok, Facebook. Kila mtu lazima ufanye kazi ndio ukule, hakuna short cut (Most young people don’t want to work. They just want to idle on TikTok and Facebook. Everybody must work to earn a living; there are no shortcuts),” he added.
Sudi emphasized that youth are fortunate as the church has decided to shun donations from politicians. Starting next year, he said all his contributions will focus on youth empowerment instead of church donations.
The Kapseret MP explained that his financial assistance in the new year will be directed toward individuals and organized groups, empowering churchgoers directly to ensure they can contribute to their congregations.
“Huyu mwenye anaendanga hiyo kanisa, twende tu empower yeye hapo ndani kwa kanisa, hata akuwe na sadaka ya kupeana. (We will empower the churchgoer so that they, too, can have something to give as tithe),” he noted.
Why Oscar Sudi Will Avoid Church Donations Starting 2025
Sudi made it clear that from 2025 onward, no one should approach him with church harambee invitations or requests for donations. Instead, his focus will be on empowering the youth, women, and the elderly.
“Mtu asijaribu kuniletea kadi ya kanisa, tafadhali, naomba sana. Mnipangie maneno ya empowerment, ya vijana, ya wamama, ya wazee (Let no one bring me a church invitation, please. Organize for me initiatives involving the empowerment of the youth, women, and the elderly),” he stated.
The MP, a close ally of President William Ruto, criticized the clergy for accusing politicians of carrying sacks of cash to churches. He argued that it is time to redirect these funds toward more impactful avenues like youth and community development.
Earlier this month, the Catholic Church sparked headlines by rejecting cash donations from President Ruto and other politicians. Sudi condemned this move, calling it insincere.
“They are just pretending. The church has no chairs, no CDF, and doesn’t have government resources, yet you find some saying they do not want donations,” Sudi remarked.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to empowering vulnerable groups and stepping away from church-related contributions.
