- A group of Kirinyaga MCAs visited a church service with a goat and cash gift for the bishop.
- Bishop Wainaina declined the offering, suggesting it be donated to Kirigoya School for the Deaf.
- The bishop emphasized the need to support the less fortunate instead of honoring individuals.
Moments after a church service ended in Kirinyaga, a team of MCAs led by Speaker Muremi stepped forward carrying an envelope and a goat. The gift was meant to thank Bishop Joseph Wainaina for his spiritual leadership during the Mass.
But instead of accepting it, Bishop Wainaina kindly turned down the gesture. He said the donation would serve a better purpose if given to those in real need.
Bishop Calls for Service, Not Symbolism
“This should go to the deaf children. They deserve more. They need support,” the bishop told the politicians, pointing out that true leadership means helping the community that trusted them with their votes.
He further added that their success should be measured by how many lives they touch, not by gestures of appreciation directed at individuals like himself.
MCAs Respectfully Accept Redirection
Though taken aback at first, the county lawmakers warmly accepted the bishop’s directive. One MCA stepped forward and said, “This is what we want—to take it to those children and may your blessing follow it.”
They then made plans to visit the school and hand over the items as instructed.
Church Keeping Distance from Political Gifts
The incident highlights a growing trend within Kenya’s Catholic Church. Religious leaders are increasingly wary of donations from politicians, especially during public church functions. Such gifts are often viewed as subtle efforts to seek favor or build political influence in holy spaces.
By redirecting the donation to the deaf school, Bishop Wainaina sent a strong message—spiritual spaces must remain sacred, and real leadership should prioritize service over public showmanship.
