Kenya Church returns questionable donation by Deputy President

By TINA TIMOTHY

The AIPCA Gathaithi Church in Kenya has returned a donation of Kshs 1.2m made to it by the country’s Deputy President, William Samoei Ruto, following a speech by President Uhuru Kenyatta challenging the church leadership “to shun money whose source was questionable”.

The church made this refund in a letter addressed to the Deputy President dated February 25, 2022 and signed by Rt. Rev Bishop Samuel Gethanga, wherein two cheques drawn in favour of Kenya’s Deputy President each valued at Kshs 600,000 shillings were enclosed.

The letter reads: “We are very thankful to you for coming to our church last year in September where you donated Kshs 2 million for our project. Whilst the money was not delivered to us in full as pledged, the gesture was greatly appreciated.

“A couple of days ago, the president, while speaking in Sagana challenged the church leadership to shun money whose source was questionable.

“As a church, we do not take political sides, but the allegations by the president against you are grave and cannot be ignored.

“Consequently, we have made a decision as the leadership of AIPCA church to return to you the sum of Kshs 1.2 million (the total amount received from the Kshs 2 million pledged).

“Enclosed: please find attached two cheques drawn in your favour each valued at Kshs 600,000 shillings.

“Please note that this action is not a condemnation of your character, but is a reflection of our commitment to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and our profound obligation to lead the flock by example.

“We again sincerely thank you for your generosity to our church and wish to invite you to worship with us at any time”.