This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
On Sunday, Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement leader, made a scathing attack on politicians who use church fundraisers to 'buy popularity' among the public.
Speaking in Siaya County during the thanksgiving and retirement ceremony of Reverend Joseph Otieno Wesonga, the second bishop of the Diocese of Maseno West and the dean of the province, Mr Odinga said that these politicians are the same ones who refer to themselves as 'hustlers', a term often used by Deputy President William Ruto to describe himself and his followers.
Mr Odinga further stated that while Kenya's economy suffers due to corruption, some politicians are going to churches with money in sacks, bribing church officials to invite them for fundraisers and donating more than what they earn.
“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,” said Mr Odinga.
He noted that these activities by politicians amount to money laundering, not mere church contributions, and that even philanthropists like Vimal Shah and Manu Chandaria cannot afford to donate such kinds of money to churches and sustain it.
Mr Odinga regretted that despite these huge donations, churches still ask faithful to give offering, and that the vice of corruption must be dealt with for the money to reach the people.
“Corruption is a cancer that, if not tamed, will destroy our country. We cannot develop with the kind of corruption we have today,” he said.
He pointed out that Kenya can save up to Sh800 billion every year, an amount which he said is lost to corruption.
Mr Odinga praised Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit who has spoken sternly about politicians' use of churches for selfish interests, and noted that there has been a debate on the millions of shillings politicians take to churches, with Mr Odinga and the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji saying it is a platform for rogue and corrupt politicians to clean their 'dirty' money.
