It’s a stormy season for Bungoma’s Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop George Mechumo, who finds himself at the receiving end of public fury after receiving a Sh.5 million donation from President William Ruto.
Kenyans, armed with their smartphones, have bombarded the clergyman with endless text messages, many demanding he returns the money.
The funds, reportedly handed to Bishop Mechumo through Vihiga Governor Kenneth Lusaka during a recent church event, were initially meant to support church projects.
But in the eyes of a skeptical public, the donation has raised more questions than answers.
The backlash comes amid growing frustration over the church’s perceived alliance with political leaders accused of mismanaging public funds. Social media platforms have been ablaze with criticism gaining traction.
“Why are clergy tolerating corrupt leaders who loot public coffers and donate the proceeds to the church? This money should go to healthcare, education, and creating jobs for the youth,” read one tweet.
Text messages sent to Bishop Mechumo reportedly carry similar sentiments. One particularly stinging message stated, “Bwana Bishop, you must return that money. The congregation doesn’t need dirty millions; they need roads, schools, and hospitals.”
This is not the first time the church has been caught in the crossfire of Kenya’s corruption debate. Critics argue that the clergy’s willingness to accept hefty donations from politicians taints their moral authority.
“By accepting these funds, the church becomes complicit in legitimising stolen wealth,” said a local activist during a demonstration in Bungoma town on Tuesday.
Governor Lusaka has remained tight-lipped, while Bishop Mechumo has not officially commented on the mounting calls to return the money. However, sources close to the bishop suggest he is deeply troubled by the public’s reaction.
ures during a past eventMany Kenyans are now urging religious institutions to reject political donations altogether, suggesting that churches fundraise independently to maintain their integrity.
“Churches should stand for justice and truth, not allow themselves to be pawns in political games,” said Reverend Peter Nyongesa, a clergy member from a neighbouring diocese.
The President’s donation, meant to signal goodwill, has inadvertently sparked a national debate on the role of the church in addressing systemic corruption. For now, all eyes remain on Bishop Mechumo.
Will he heed the call of the public and return the Sh.5 million? Or will the church stand by its decision to accept the funds?
Below are some of reactions from Kenyans:
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