Church right to reject ‘dirty cash’, but why is Ruto unhappy?

It’s been 18 years now since Shaggy rose to stardom with ‘It Wasn't Me’, yet a recurring theme in our politics takes me back to the hit from the Jamaican-American reggae artiste.

The only problem is I’m never sure whether Deputy President William Ruto should be singing ‘It Wasn't Me’ or ‘It Was Me’.

Just mention the word corruption, without reference to any individual or grouping, and Mr Ruto will be the first to stand up without any prompting to protest his innocence and to accuse foes of trying to derail his 2022 presidential campaign.

OBSCENE DISPLAYS

This trait was seen again last week when Anglican Church of Kenya leader Jackson ole Sapit threw the cat among the pigeons with the proposal that churches reject political cash donations.

The Archbishop spoke on general principles about the church taking a frontline in the war against corruption. No names were mentioned, but Deputy President William Ruto and his band of supporters were quick to see the statement as an indictment pointed in their direction.

In short order, there were orchestrated choruses accusing Archbishop Sapit of working with the DP’s political foes. Many churches joined in, asserting their right to receive money ‘for God’s work’ from Mr Ruto or any other sources.

And, as if to show that Archbishop Sapit was speaking for himself and out of touch with realities of today, a large group of churchmen in central Kenya, many of whom have been beneficiaries of Mr Ruto’s legendary generosity, announced a mega interdenominational fund raising harambee to be presided over by the DP.

The announcement was quite clear that the harambee — initially slated for Murang’a last weekend but postponed to a date yet to be determined — would not just be a fundraiser, but a demonstration of political support for Mr Ruto.

In a church where he is just a first among equals, Archbishop Sapit might find it difficult to counter the lure of money even with his own Anglican denomination.

POLITICAL OPTICS

It’s also clear that when he spoke, he was not laying down the Anglican Church position, but rather, an ideal of the Multi-Sectoral Initiative Against Corruption, which brings together religious organisations, the business community, media, labour unions, professional associations, civil society, youth organisations and other interest groups to add citizen voices to the anti-graft campaign.

It is expected that one other major mainstream denomination, the Catholic Church, will soon come out to decree a rejection of ‘political funds’. Although Mr Ruto will not be mentioned, any criticism of the culture of politicians dishing out money in churches immediately points the finger at Mr Ruto.

As he ramps up, his 2022 presidential campaign, the DP has revived a trend last witnessed during the regime of President Daniel arap Moi when politicians criss-crossed the country dishing out large amounts of cash.

He has reintroduced something akin to the displays associated with the likes of the former Limuru MP, Kuria Kanyingi (1943-2014), where it wasn’t just about giving to charity, but about obscene displays handing over for the cameras foot-high bundles of banknotes. Donations by bankers’ cheques, bank transfers or direct bank deposits would not do where the political optics matter more than the Christian message.

Mr Ruto has, on various occasions over the past few months, felt constrained to defend his church contributions, emphasising his Christian faith, and once making a comment that could be interpreted as suggesting he was paying cash for a place in heaven.

MORAL BEACON

Archbishop Sapit’s critics missed the point that the Anglican prelate was not calling for a ban on church fundraisers, but an end to political exploitation of the events. He suggested that the events could be held outside the church premises, and that those not just out to seek political mileage should be content to give their contributions anonymously or in private ceremonies.

If reactions are anything to go by, Archbishop Sapit’s might be a voice in the wilderness. Gone are the days when the Church in Kenya stood tall as the moral beacon of the nation.

The words of the Bible have largely been tossed aside as the Christian arena is taken over by conmen, thieves, and vainglorious self-seeking charlatans.

The Church of today is largely a thriving commercial enterprise dominated by money-hungry preachers out to exploit the weak and vulnerable, building their own heavens on earth while fleecing their congregations dry.

Does Archbishop Sapit have what it takes to lead the Kenyan Church back to the path of righteousness, piety and God?

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @MachariaGaitho