Meru Church Leaders Vow to Continue Taking Politicians' 'Dirty' Cash and Cleanse It

A section of church leaders has changed their minds on accepting 'tainted' cash donations from Kenyan politicians.

Last year, the National Council of Churches in Kenya (NCCK) Upper Eastern region asked clerics to stop asking for donations from politicians in a bid to prevent abuse of places of worship during the electioneering period.

“This committee urges all faith leaders in our counties to avoid asking for donations from politicians or aspirants. When you ask for donations, they take advantage to use the sanctuaries and worship meetings to engage in political vitriol and divisive campaigns,” NCCK Upper Eastern Region Chair Bishop Jadiel Kaigongi said.

But in a new twist, the NCCK Meru branch has resolved to continue taking money from politicians regardless of where the funds come from, Nation reports.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, NCCK Meru County leaders argued that politicians are also members of the congregation, and cannot be denied the opportunity to give. They said the church will accept the money and pray for the sanctification of the contributions.

“We cannot deny them an opportunity to give. The church leaders may not know the source of money being given in church by congregants, only the giver and God know,” NCCK Meru Coordinating committee chairperson Bishop Justin Bundi is quoted by Nation as saying.

“This is the reason the Church will always pray for the sanctification of all the contributions after the congregants give. Therefore, we will hold the politicians with equal regard like other congregants.”

However, the clergymen insisted that politicians will not be allowed to play politics on the pulpit.

“While some of them are church leaders and preachers, they must not use the pulpit to play politics. This is why the church will be keen to be in control,” said Bishop Bundi.