Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church has criticized the donation of Ksh5 million made by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on behalf of President William Ruto, calling it an attempt to undermine the Anglican Church. The archbishop expressed disappointment, saying the move seemed like a test to see how the Anglican Church would respond, especially in light of the Catholic Church’s recent stand on political donations.
Speaking during a church service, Archbishop Sapit described the incident as unfortunate and emphasized that the Anglican Church would not accept contributions whose sources are unclear. “What happened in Bungoma was unfortunate because it appeared as if it was meant to provoke the Anglican Church after the recent decision by the Catholics,” he said.
The donation, which was given to Crispinus Anglican Church in Bungoma on Sunday, December 1, sparked heated discussions among the faithful and the public. President Ruto’s contributions to churches have been a controversial topic, with critics questioning the sources of such large sums of money.
Governor Lusaka, who presented the funds, defended the donation, urging the church to accept it. He insisted that there was nothing wrong with leaders supporting religious institutions and their missions. However, Archbishop Sapit maintained that the Church should not compromise its principles for financial gain, no matter the donor’s position or intent.
Sapit’s comments align with his long-standing advocacy for transparency and integrity in church funding. He has repeatedly called on religious institutions to avoid being entangled in political agendas or appearing to endorse political figures through financial contributions.
The incident has reignited public debates about the role of politicians in church activities and the ethical implications of their donations. Archbishop Sapit’s firm stance underscores the Anglican Church’s commitment to upholding its values and ensuring that the sources of its funds align with its moral teachings.
By Nairobi