President William Ruto has criticized Catholic bishops for their opposition to church fundraising events known as harambees after the church through Nairobi Arc Bishop Phillip Anyolo through a statement rejected his over 5 million shillings in donation in SOWETO parish Catholic Church last sunday.
Photo of president William Ruto in previous church events/photo courtesy/
President Ruto comments come amid rising tensions between church leaders and government officials regarding fundraising practices within religious institutions.
During a church event on November 23, 2024 Ruto voiced his disappointment with the bishops’ stance against fundraising activities aimed at supporting community projects across Kenya. He argued that harambees play an essential role in mobilizing resources for various initiatives benefiting local communities.
“Harambees bring people together for important causes,” Ruto stated during his address. “I will not be deterred by opposition from any quarter when it comes to supporting our communities.”
president William Ruto/photo courtesy/
His remarks have sparked debate among religious leaders and laypersons alike regarding the role of fundraising within churches.The bishops had previously issued a directive discouraging church fundraising due to concerns about transparency and accountability in financial dealings associated with these events.
However Ruto countered their claims by emphasizing how these events have historically provided essential funding for various initiatives within communities across Kenya.Supporters of Ruto argue that harambees are crucial for addressing local needs while fostering community spirit among congregants who wish to contribute positively toward societal development efforts through collective action.
Critics caution against potential misuse of funds raised during harambees but acknowledge their importance in community development efforts overall. The ongoing conflict between Ruto and church leaders raises questions about church-state relations moving forward as both sides seek common ground on this contentious issue.
As tensions rise over this matter many are watching closely to see how it will evolve further and what implications it may have on fundraising practices within churches across Kenya going forward into future years ahead.
President Ruto’s criticism of Catholic bishops highlights ongoing tensions regarding church fundraising events known as harambee,a practice deeply rooted within Kenyan culture aimed at supporting various social causes throughout society today while ensuring transparency remains paramount throughout all financial dealings involved therein moving forward into future years ahead.
