Ruto Puts His Church Donations on Hold Until After August Elections

Deputy President William Ruto says he will no longer give cash donations to churches until after the August 9th general elections. 

Ruto, who spoke in Vihiga County on Sunday, said the move is due to the requirements of sections of the Elections Act, which prohibits candidates seeking elective seats in an election from participating in fundraisers.

Section 26 of the Elections Act states that a person may be disqualified if he/she directly or indirectly participate in any manner in public fundraising within eight months to a general election.

"I know you guys when you see me you remember that I am a man who builds churches. Today we will not be contributing to the church building because the elections law does not allow it. But once the exercise is over, I commit myself that we will come back and ensure the completion of the church is done," Ruto said.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) gave political aspirants until December 9th last year to participate in Harambees.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati warned that any aspirant who violates the directive would be disqualified from vying for any elective post.

Last year, Ruto told off ODM leader Raila Odinga for questioning the source of the millions he has been donating to churches since 2018. Odinga accused Ruto of using churches to “launder” his ill-gotten wealth.

In a rejoinder, Ruto vowed not to stop the practice and promised to dish out billions to churches if he is elected president.

“We are looking forward to the day when we will not be taking thousands or millions but billions of shillings to church. We did not have godfathers, we only had God the Father. Please understand us and allow us to worship God the way we feel we should,” he said at a Kiambu church.