The Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) has sparked debate by defending its decision to accept political donations, breaking ranks with other major Christian organizations in Kenya. Unlike the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which has rejected such contributions outright, PEFA asserts that returning money solely because it originates from politicians is impractical and unjustified.
During a Friday address at the Mtwapa PEFA Church in Mombasa, church leaders explained their stance, acknowledging public concerns while emphasizing the lack of mechanisms to verify the sources of political funds.
“As the PEFA church, we cannot return political donations unless we establish measures to determine their sources,” one leader stated. “Refunding money simply because it is from politicians is not reason enough.”
Public Backlash Over Church Ethics
PEFA’s decision has fueled an ongoing debate about the ethical implications of accepting donations from Kenya’s political elite. Critics claim such contributions often originate from corruption and damage the moral standing of religious institutions. Social media users have been vocal, accusing churches of enabling impunity by accepting potentially tainted money.
Despite the backlash, PEFA remains unwavering. The church has reiterated its commitment to working with the political class across its 3,000 branches nationwide, framing the donations as a means to advance ministry work. However, they have urged politicians to make their contributions discreetly.
“We appreciate the generosity,” said a PEFA leader, “but we ask politicians to donate subtly, perhaps as offertory, to avoid unnecessary attention. These funds will be used for God’s work.”
A Divided Approach Among Churches
PEFA’s stance contrasts sharply with the Catholic and Anglican churches, which have issued directives to reject political donations. The Catholic Church, in particular, made headlines recently by ordering the Soweto Catholic Church to return KSh 5.8 million donated by President William Ruto on November 19.
The issue of political donations has divided Kenya’s religious institutions and the public. While some argue that the funds can benefit ministry projects, others believe accepting such donations compromises the church’s role as a moral authority.
The debate continues to raise critical questions about the balance between practicality and principle in Kenya’s churches. Should places of worship accept donations that might be ethically questionable, or should they uphold their role as custodians of accountability and integrity?
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Bungoma Bishop Gratefully Accepts KSh 5M Donation from Ruto: “I Will Not Return It”
President Ruto donated Ksh600,000 to Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi for choir members and Ksh2 million that would be used to construct the father’s house. He further promised to donate an additional Ksh3 million that would be channeled to the church’s account to purchase a church bus. During the event, Governor Sakaja donated Ksh200,000 to the same church.
While issuing the directive, Catholic Bishop Philip Anyolo cited that the donations contravened the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024, which states that any person who solicits or receives money or a benefit conducts a fundraising appeal regardless of whether the representation made was direct or indirect.
On Tuesday, December 3, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, directed a Bungoma bishop who received Ksh5 million from Ruto on Sunday, December 1, to return the money. The donation was made on behalf of Ruto by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka.
Sapit claimed that the donation was an attempt to shame the Anglican church and issued an apology, adding that the church would not accept funds whose sources are unknown.
“What happened in Bungoma was unfortunate because it was like a display of trying to see what the Anglican church will do following the recent decision by the Catholics,” the archbishop stated.
At the same time, Ruto has vowed to continue with the donations arguing that it is a service to God. “We are going to serve God through our giving. We have absolutely no apologies to make as we give to God,” Ruto asserted, dismissing critics.