Arise Media 
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Chairman, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia of Kisumu, has urged Kenyans to embrace unity and uphold integrity in charitable giving, aligning with the Lenten campaign theme, The Kenya We Desire.
Speaking during the episcopal ordination of Meru Coadjutor Bishop Jackson Murugara on Wednesday, Archbishop Muhatia emphasized that donations should be given humbly and discreetly.
“We don’t reject donations, but good must be done well and in silence. We are concerned about loudspeaker donations,” he stated.
He warned against contributions made for publicity, noting that KCCB had resolved to maintain transparency in church funding.
The Catholic church became the center of public debate over donations after Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo ordered the return of Sh2.6 million donated by President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to St. Anne and Joseph Catholic Church in Soweto, Nairobi late last year.
This sparked sarcasm among politicians, who argued they were contributing to God and would continue to do so.
The presidential donations, made on November 17, 2024, included Sh2 million for the construction of a priest’s house, Sh600,000 for the choir, and a pledged Sh3 million for the same house.
Sakaja also donated Sh200,000 to the choir and the Pontifical Missionary Council (PMC).
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Archbishop Anyolo justified the decision, stating that such donations could compromise the Church’s independence and integrity.
He stressed that politicians should not use religious platforms for self-promotion, adding that the Catholic Church discourages fundraising events that could be politically motivated.
The move has been praised by many Kenyans, who view it as a stand against undue political influence in religious institutions.
The ordination event took place at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County.
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