The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi has declined a cash donation from President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, offered during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church on Sunday.

President Ruto, accompanied by Governor Sakaja, attended the service where he donated Ksh600,000 to the church choir, Ksh2 million for the construction of a parish priest’s house, and pledged an additional Ksh3 million for the same project.

Ruto also promised to deliver a bus to the church in January. Governor Sakaja contributed Ksh200,000 during the same event.

ALSO READ: Bishops Threaten to Lead Kenyans in Mass Protests

However, Archbishop Philip Anyolo of the Nairobi Archdiocese announced that the funds would be returned, and the promised bus would not be accepted.

Citing a directive from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Anyolo emphasized the Church’s commitment to avoiding political influence through such donations.

“These funds will be returned to the respective donors. The promised Ksh3 million and the parish bus are also declined,” stated the Archbishop. He urged the Church to uphold its integrity and resist contributions that could compromise its independence.

Archbishop Anyolo further encouraged politicians to prioritize ethical leadership by addressing pressing issues raised by the KCCB. “The Church must remain neutral, free from political influence, to fulfill its mission of spiritual growth and community guidance,” he said.

READ MORE: Governor Cecily Mbarire Lectures Embu Residents for Disrespecting President Ruto in Her Presence

The decision follows a recent statement by the KCCB criticizing the government for unfulfilled campaign promises and what they termed as excessive taxation.

Speaking in Nairobi last Thursday, the bishops expressed concern over the rising tax burden on Kenyans, accusing the government of indirectly reintroducing the rejected Finance Bill, 2024.

“We must listen to the cry of the people. The current tax regime is already prohibitive and burdensome,” stated Bishop Maurice Muhatia.

The bishops also condemned alleged cases of abductions, disappearances, torture, and killings across the country. They noted that many families are still mourning the loss of loved ones from incidents during the June demonstrations and called on the government to address these human rights concerns.