We have no apologies for giving money to the church - Ruto

Speaking during a church service in Kericho on Sunday, President Ruto noted that he has been committed to supporting the advancement of churches and the spread of Christianity by donating money.

Ruto said he will not stop his customary deed since he is "a product of giving", adding that he will not be silenced by naysayers.

"We have absolutely no apologies to make as we give to God because God gave first. We understand the word of God enough to know that it is more blessed to give than to receive and that is what we are going to do," he said.

"We will build our churches and we will work together to spread the word of God. I have helped build 30 churches in 30 years and I have never lacked because I know the secret in giving and I know what it does."

Ruto's sentiments lie on the backdrop of a sour relationship with the church as the Archdiocese of Nairobi returned Ksh.2.8 million donated by the President and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on November 17.

The Archdiocese rejected the money made at Soweto Catholic Church, saying that the rejection aligns with Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) directives and the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024.

The collapsed relationship stems from ignored calls for vigilance, sobriety and integrity in governance as many churches have censured the state for poor leadership.

Ruto's government has been censured for allowing the political class to fundraise on pulpits amid a crunched economy, amid claims that the millions donated to churches are proceeds of graft.