Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua accused members of the clergy of preaching water and drinking wine when it comes to accepting gifts, especially money from corrupt politicians.
In an interview with the Standard Digital, the Governor told members of the clergy that the fight against corruption requires more effort than prayers.
“It is hypocritical to call for prayers against corruption whereas some priests and pastors are receiving questionable money from politicians. We have invited corruption to our altars and pulpits. God is surely not pleased,” Mutua stated, responding to a statement by Catholic Bishops.
The catholic clerics under their Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishop's umbrella said they won’t allow cash donations in their churches, stating that donations would only be received through bank and mobile money transfers.
Mutua stated that the cleric can put up a brave fight against corruption by simply saying no to donations from politicians.
“Imagine if a priest or pastor told a corrupt politician, “Thanks but we will not accept your contribution,” he further stated.
Mutua challenged the clergy and urged them to educate their members on their civic duty and on the importance of electing morally upright leaders into office.
“When voters vote in known thieves with no development track record, they are choosing suffering and continuation of poverty. No amount of prayer afterward can help,” Mutua declared.
Speaking during the National Prayer Day at Subukia, Nakuru County the Catholic Bishops said that any donation beyond Ksh 50,000 would only be accepted after the church has been notified and a direction given by the clergy.
The bishops also banned all political activities on the pulpit, citing that the church was a place of worship and not a campaign platform.
The decision is likely to spur debate between politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto and those allied to Opposition chief Raila Odinga.
“We need to ask if someone’s salary is Ksh1 million a month, where do they get Sh5 million each week or between Ksh15 and Ksh20 million a month to hold fundraisers in churches?” Raila posed.
Raila was referring to Deputy President William Ruto who came out to defend his church donations.
