- PCEA’s Rev. Peter Kinyanjui stopped MP Oscar Sudi from announcing his donation during a church fundraiser.
- The Reverend reminded the congregation of biblical teachings on discreet giving.
- Sudi admitted politicians are to blame for politicizing church platforms.
- President Ruto’s previous directive barred state officers from participating in public harambees.
- Despite the ban, Ruto has maintained personal contributions to churches, defending them as scriptural.
A rare moment played out in church on Sunday, April 13, when Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi was politely interrupted by Reverend Peter Kinyanjui of the PCEA. The scene unfolded during a fundraiser, where the outspoken lawmaker was stopped from publicly declaring his cash contribution.
Reverend Kinyanjui reminded Sudi and the congregants about the importance of humility in giving, citing scripture that encourages quiet acts of generosity.
“I know you’ve come with money, Mr. Sudi, even if it’s from the president. But please don’t tell us how much. Just give your envelope in silence. The Bible is clear — what your right hand gives, your left should not know,” the Reverend stated calmly.
Sudi Admits Politicians Misused the Pulpit
Though initially stopped from announcing his donation, Sudi was still given a chance to speak. The MP confessed that leaders like himself had turned churches into political grounds, something he now acknowledged needed to stop.
“Bishop, you’ve just reinforced what’s been on my mind. We, the politicians, are the ones who messed up. We turned churches into campaign venues,” Sudi said.
He added that while he’s a Christian, the church should indeed protect its sanctity from political interference.
Ruto’s Ban on Fundraisers Still Faces Contradictions
This exchange comes just weeks after President William Ruto reiterated his stance against public officials participating in harambees. In July 2024, he issued a directive prohibiting such contributions by state officers, linking them to corruption loopholes.
The president instructed the Attorney General to draft laws to introduce a structured way for public giving.
“We must move towards a transparent system. The Attorney General will prepare laws to guide charitable and public donations,” Ruto said at the time.
However, despite the directive, Ruto has personally continued donating to churches. Among his notable pledges was a Ksh20 million commitment to Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, with a further promise to help raise Ksh100 million for its expansion.
President Defends His Personal Giving
Ruto has stood firm in defending his church donations, arguing that they stem from his own spiritual conviction.
“I am a product of giving to God. I do it grounded in scripture, and I will not apologize for it,” the president affirmed.
While the State may be drawing a line between governance and religious giving, the influence of politics in places of worship remains a sensitive and evolving debate.
