The Anglican Church says the church should desist from the growing temptation to accept proceeds of corruption in the name of harambees, the church finally breaking its silence over the ongoing debate about politicians’ contributions at church fundraisers.
Addressing the press, from All Saints Cathedral Diocese during Easter celebrations, Archbishop Ole Sapit said the church would review its policy on harambees to cushion the church from potentially benefiting from money out of corruption cartels.
Debate has been raging over the politicians who contribute huge sums of money in the name of fundraising for churches against the backdrop of corruption allegations.
Deputy president William Ruto has been at the centre of the controversy, his political detractors questioning the source of the millions of money he contributes in churches.
Ole Sapit’s remarks have been interpreted as a response to the DP, who has maintained that his contributions to churches should not be questioned because he is “investing in Heaven.”
“Anglican church of Kenya is evaluating, holding of fund raisers in their sanctuaries by the politicians and the people we normally term as guest of honours,” said Ole Sapit.
“Christians who hold fundraising should be guided by the biblical principle of integrity and humility.”
The Archbishop admitted corruption had found its way into the church, counseling how the clergy must be careful against allowing further permeation of the vice in the name of raising resources for the gospel ministry.
He called on all the government agencies mandated to fight graft to be diligent in the course of their work to ensure the war on graft is carried within the rule of law, promptly, impartially and in the public interest.
“We demand that all personal resources and assets of those convicted be repossessed by the state and publicly declared so,” Ole Sapit said, urging Kenyans to support necessary constitutional changes to make the supreme law better – be it through a national referendum or through legislation.
This will certainly ruffle political feathers, with politicians from different political camps likely to weigh in on the sentiments; Dr Ruto’s allies will definitely refute the archbishop was responding to the criticism he has faced while his opponents will use it to say the DP was no longer welcome with his “sacks of money.”
Ole Sapit also addressed himself on homosexuality, saying all sexual conduct must be in tandem with the national ethos enshrined in the Constitution, African cultures and the supreme law of God.
“If contradictions occur between our cultural practices and law of God, the God degrees must take precedent. We urge all Kenyans to avoid any conduct that undermines moral decency in the society.”
