This archive report was first published on 1 October 2019.
On September 29, 2019, Father John Pesa, a cleric from Nyanza, made headlines by defying the advice of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to avoid accepting church donations from Deputy President William Ruto.
Speaking to the press, Father John Pesa emphasized the importance of fundraising for church development, stating that it is a healthy tool for growth in all regions and churches.
He also argued that churches have no means to determine which donations are acquired through corrupt means, and therefore, should not be deterred from accepting donations from willing leaders.
Father John Pesa's sentiments came after Raila Odinga called upon church leaders to avoid accepting cash from politicians whose source of income could be clearly determined.
ODM leader Raila Odinga further claimed that many church leaders have deviated from their calling by accepting cash from politicians, which he termed as corrupt.
