Bishop Philip Anyolo Returns Ruto’s Millions Amid Social Media Outcry
Kenyans have praised Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo for rejecting substantial donations from President William Ruto and other politicians, citing the sanctity of the church and concerns over the origin of the funds.
The Catholic Church’s bold stance has sparked widespread debate, with social media playing a crucial role in the unfolding events.
The controversy began after Archbishop Anyolo announced that the church would return KSh 2.6 million donated by Ruto, KSh 200,000 from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and reject a pledged KSh 3 million and a parish bus.
Anyolo clarified that his decision adhered to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (KCCB) directive, which discourages political donations to churches and condemns the use of church platforms for political self-promotion.
“The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events such as fundraisers and gatherings as platforms for political self-promotion,” Anyolo said in a statement. “Politicians are urged to refrain from turning the pulpit into a stage for political rhetoric, as such actions undermine the sanctity of worship places.”
Interestingly, the Archbishop’s decision followed a public outcry on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Netizens had actively campaigned for the church to reject the funds, arguing they represented proceeds from taxpayers’ money and lacked transparency.
One prominent tweet by Mwabili Mwagodi read: “The email for Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Catholic Church in Kenya is info@archdioceseofnairobi.com. Please request him to return the 5.3 million bob to taxpayers. Those are looted funds from Kenyans’ taxes. The church should not be complicit in theft.”
Screenshots of emails sent to the Archbishop flooded the platform, with users emphasizing the need for transparency. One user, @kitekimichael, insisted, “Please, return the money not in secrecy because it was not announced in secrecy… do it publicly.”
Archbishop Anyolo’s firm stance has earned him respect among many Kenyans, with some urging other religious leaders to follow suit.
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Bishop Philip Anyolo Returns Ruto’s Millions Amid Social Media Outcry
