Dominic Muturi Njuguna

On the 14^th of November 2024, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement, calling out the Government of Kenya for corruption. A few days later, the President of Kenya, in company of other leaders, visited one of the Churches in the Archdiocese of Nairobi and gave a donation in cash amounting to Ksh. 2.6 million ( approximately 18,680 Euro) and promised another Ksh. 3 million (approximately 21,340 Euro). It is to be noted that the President of Kenya has been ranked by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), as one of the most corrupt leaders.

The contribution made by the President and the other leaders would later be rejected by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, who is the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nairobi. In his letter explaining why the Church had to reject the money, the Archbishop insisted that the Bishops have consistently maintained a firm stance on the matter of politicians donating money to churches, highlighting the ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the Church from being used for political purposes. He also added that the contribution did not adhere to the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024 under Section 10(2).

The role of the Church is to serve as the conscience of the society. To be able to carry out this role, it must stand against all forms of corruption and injustices. There are principles established by the Church, and which it follows for guidance, to enable it to deal with cases of financial integrity. In the Code of Canon Law, Canon 1276 Paragraph 2, it states that the Church can accept donations unless there is a just reason to refuse them. If accepting a donation would cause scandal or promote injustice, the Church has a moral obligation to reject it. Also, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2285, the section teaches that the scandal is grave when it is caused by those in authority, as it can lead many people astray.

Some of the reasons why the Church has in the past welcomed politicians to make donations is because many churches rely on donations for infrastructure, charity works and even clergy support. When the church becomes financially dependent on political figures, it may struggle to criticise their corrupt actions. In some cases, political leaders strategically donate to Church, knowing that their financial support will create an implicit expectation of silence or loyalty. The silence weakens the Church’s moral credibility and reduces its ability to advocate for ethical governance. Hence the church must deal with the dilemma of whether to keep silence and get the donations which are at times crucial, or refuse the donations and lack funding.

As the Church needs finances to continue with its work of evangelization, it must seek alternative ways of funding its activities other than relying on politicians. The Church should empower the Christians to support it so as to reduce dependency on funding that is questionable. If the Church is to retain its position as a beacon of truth and justice, it must stand for integrity and accountability and reject all forms of corruption.

Picture courtesy of The Nairobi Daily News