Reject corrupt leaders, Catholics urge other churches

Catholic Bishops sign a commitment document to fight corruption during the National Prayer Day at Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County on October 5, 2019. PHOTO | FRANCIS MUREITHI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The church has announced that it will henceforth only accept cashless donations.  

  • The Catholic bishops said that corruption has been infiltrating the church.

  • They alleged that some politicians were donating ill-gotten money to churches and institutions.

Catholic faithful in Nakuru Diocese have asked other churches to join them in the war against graft by rejecting corrupt leaders.

Speaking in Nakuru on Monday, they have welcomed the move by the church to renew baptismal vows for all faithful in a bid to fight graft in the country.

“Corruption leads to death and I support the church in its efforts to tame the vice. I urge other churches to emulate the Catholic,” said Mr Joseph Elmolo.

GRAFT

Mr Patrick Kisili from Molo said that other churches should join the Catholic Church in the fight against graft.   

“The Catholic Church has shown the way and the other denominations should mobilise their faithful and help Kenya get rid of the problem that has imprisoned hearts, families and the entire society,” said Mr Kisili.

Ms Magdalene Mwenje from Lanet said that the church should walk the talk by naming and shaming some of the tainted top politicians.  

 “The church should walk the talk and move a step ahead of the pack and name politicians and other individuals who are known to be corrupt,” said Ms Mwenje.

DONATIONS

The church has announced that it will henceforth only accept cashless donations.  

Mr Daniel Komboni from Nakuru’s Manyani Estate said the government should support the initiative by ensuring all cases of corruption reported by the church are pursued.  

“Corruption fights back and for this bold move by the church to have a long lasting impact, the government should ensure the information relayed to relevant government agencies is handled with a lot of confidence,” said Mr Komboni

On Saturday the Catholic Church announced a nationwide anti-corruption campaign during a national prayer day at the Subukia Shrine in Nakuru County.

SIX MONTHS

The drive, which seeks to break the corruption chain in the country, will run for the next six months.

Corruption desks will be opened in all Catholic churches in the country to keep a track of all cases reported by the public. The faithful will be required to declare their intention to fight corruption at their places of work.

The Catholic bishops said that corruption has been infiltrating the church.

They alleged that some politicians were donating ill-gotten money to churches and institutions.

The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) said it will not allow the church to be used as a political platform.

“Politicians will not be allowed to address the congregation inside the church. The same will be restricted outside the church,” said KCCB chairman Bishop Philip Anyolo.