Deputy President William Ruto on Sunday, to all appearances, tactically told ff Catholic bishops over their move to ban politicians from speaking during their liturgical celebrations.
Speaking at Mujwa Catholic Church in Central Imenti, Meru County, the DP, ostensibly, told the Bishops that politicians were also believers of christ adding that they too need to serve their God.
“We come to church because we also worship God, we are leaders and politicians after, but we are Christians first. And when we come here to church it is because we know God.
Or you think we come for a walk in the church? We have come to worship God. We don’t come to church because of father.
We don’t come to church because of the bishop. We don’t come to church because of a pastor, we come to church because of christ whom we know,” said Ruto.
The DP went ahead to give a biblical quotation to justify his church donations that have been subject of criticism by his political nemesis.
Ruto said giving to the church was not only through physical donations but also more of a spiritual rendering of hearts to Christ.
“Paul teaches us in the book of Acts 20:35 that blessed is the one giveth than one who receiveth. That is the scripture.
And if it is about donations, it is not a must that it should be money, you can give even your time, you can give even your love so that the word of God can go further. And that is what we are doing,” added the DP.
Ruto further claimed that they were standing with the church because of humanity and their knowledge of Christ.
On Saturday, Kenya Conference of the Catholic Bishops (KCCB) banned cash donations in its worship centres in a bid to curb the increasing cases of corruption.
Speaking in Subukia, Nakuru County during the national prayers themed Breaking the Chains of Corruption, the chairperson of KCCB Archbishop Philip Anyolo gave a new strict directive that will guide catholic churches in conducting fund drives.
“Contributions to fundraisers in our churches will be done by mobile money transfers or preferably by cheque. This will prevent handling of a large amount of cash and give a clear trail of donors,” said Anyolo.
The Kisumu Diocese Bishop also added that the church will be tracking donations through keeping records.
“We shall keep records of any gifts to a religious leader exceeding Kshs50,000.
All gifts should be accompanied by a letter or acknowledged by a letter. Our churches will not be used as political platforms or for any other motive,” added the Bishop.
KCCB further directed that politicians will not be allowed during its liturgical celebrations thus basically banning politicians from speaking at its churches.