We tithe as Christians not as politicians, DP Ruto responds

Deputy President William Ruto waded into the raging debate on church donations. (Courtesy)

Deputy President William Ruto has downplayed the planned review on church donations from politicians, saying we are Christians first and politicians after.

In a statement posted on Ruto’s Twitter, the DP added more fire on the ongoing debate over church contributions popular with politicians.

“Since Sunday school we learned to kneel before and worship God that’s the only reason we stand before men. We will continue to worship Jehovah with our hearts and substance. We are unashamed of our God and unapologetic of our faith. We are Christians first other title after,” he said.

The statement was a response to the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) through its archbishop Jackson ole Sapit that cautioned churches against being used to clean proceeds of corruption.

“Let us not allow harambee money to become an indirect way of sanitising corrupt leaders,” said Sapit at a press function.

Last week, Opposition leader Raila Odinga kicked off the debate by accusing some religious leaders of allowing their churches to be used for money laundering.

He said huge amounts of money being donated to some churches every weekend need to be investigated, saying it could be part of a money laundering racket.

 

“Some church leaders are true to their calling, others are not. We need to ask the source of the millions of money being taken to churches,” said Raila.

“We need to ask, if someone’s salary is Sh1 million a month, where do they get Sh5 million each week or between Sh15 and Sh20 million a month to hold fundraisers in churches?”

The Catholic Church in Kenya also directed priests to bar leaders from politicking in church.

Bishop David Kamau said churches must remain true to what they are meant for, adding that politicians should politick elsewhere.

We met recently as Catholic Bishops and passed a resolution that we should not allow politicians to interfere with our congregations or to bring politics in our churches,” said Bishop Kamau.