Soweto Residents Clash Over Ruto’s KSh 5.8M Donation Rejected by Church
The controversy surrounding President William Ruto’s KSh 5.8 million donation to the Soweto Catholic Church has escalated, dividing opinions among Kayole residents. On November 17, Ruto donated KSh 600,000 to the church’s choir and Parish Missionary Council and pledged KSh 3 million for constructing the priest’s house. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja also contributed KSh 200,000.
Despite the seemingly generous gesture, Archbishop Philip Anyolo, representing the Catholic Church, rejected the funds, citing a contravention of the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024. The law restricts fundraising practices to ensure transparency and legality. A church statement confirmed plans to refund the money to the donors.
However, this decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some locals support the rejection, others have called on the church to either accept the funds or channel them to community projects. One resident remarked, “As a community, we would like to see the money returned to the church so it can further projects.”
In a new twist, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed revealed the church had not yet refunded the donation, raising questions about the ongoing standoff.
As the debate rages, the issue underscores the delicate balance between public perception, legality, and moral accountability in donations involving high-profile figures. For now, the Soweto community remains divided, awaiting the final resolution to this unfolding drama.
Soweto Residents Clash Over Ruto’s KSh 5.8M Donation Rejected by Church
