Raila: Politicians Bribing Church Leaders to Invite Them to Fundraisers

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has accused a section of Kenyan politicians of using the church as an avenue for money laundering and buying popularity. 

In what appears like a veiled attack on Deputy President William Ruto, Odinga has questioned the source of millions some political leaders have been dishing out during church fundraisers. 

Raila says it is ironical that politicians are able to carry money to churches in sacks when the country's economy is doing badly.

Odinga says some of the leaders have ironically been referring themselves as hustlers, a term DP Ruto often uses to describe himself.

“Some politicians are now bribing church officials to invite them for fundraisers at which they donate more than what they earn. The money is to corrupt society and buy support from people," says Odinga.

Odinga also notes that the leaders are giving away large amounts of cash that even some of the wealthiest persons in the country cannot afford.  "Not even philanthropists like Vimal Shah and Manu Chandaria can afford to donate such kinds of money to churches and sustain it."

“Corruption is cancer that, if not tamed, will destroy our country. We cannot develop with the kind of corruption we have today,” he adds.

Raila the country loses up to Sh800 billion every year to corruption.

Odinga spoke hours after DP Ruto insisted he will continue with his acts of generosity by contributing money to churches.  “We have read the Bible and, therefore, understand what we are called to do. Nobody should be forced to give to the Lord. Therefore, someone should not lecture us on what to do with our money,” Ruto said earlier.