Catholic bishops get thumbs up after new Ksh.50K church donations rule

Kenya’s top prosecutor and the head of investigations have lauded the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops for taking a stand against corruption.

In a joint statement, the DPP Noordin Haji and DCI George Kinoti termed the move as ‘worth emulating’.

“We sincerely thank the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops for taking a resolute stand and offering much needed spiritual and moral leadership in the country’s fight against corruption,” they said.

Their statement comes days after the Catholic Bishops announced that any gift given to the Catholic Church or its leaders exceeding Ksh. 50,000 should be declared and officially acknowledged.

Archbishops drawn from over 20 dioceses in the country launched a two-month national anti-corruption drive.

According to the DPP and the DCI, the step by the clergy is bold and indicative and cannot be ignored.

“Religious faith for millions of Kenyans is not just a theoretical affair but a reflection of life inscribed in their hearts and echoed in their thoughts that constitutionally influences what adherents perceive and how they live their lives.

“The stand has provided a clear direction through which faithfuls can back their faith claims with corresponding praxis of morality and accountability,” the statement reads.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has also welcomed the move by the Catholic bishops.

In a statement issued on Sunday, EACC Chief Executive Twalib Mbarak pointed out that corrupt individuals have been channeling ill-gotten wealth to religious organizations.

“The decision by the Catholic Church to rally its faithful to strongly support the fight against corruption and ban all donations without proper source is welcomed.

“It is public knowledge that corruption has reached disturbing levels in the country and culpable individuals are known to channel their ill-gotten wealth to religious organizations, mainly the church,” said Mbarak.