This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On October 2, 2019, Nyanza Priest John Pesa sparked controversy when he ordered churches in Kenya to continue accepting donations from Deputy President William Ruto.
Fr. Pesa, who is the leader of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church, argued that the funds are essential for the development of churches and that they should not be judged based on their source.
"We cannot separate clean and dirty money. Perhaps the government should provide guidelines on how we should follow up on these donations," Fr. Pesa said in an interview with Nation.
He also defended Ruto, saying that the Deputy President has proven himself to be a reformed individual and that he should not be judged based on past allegations of corruption.
"You cannot be a prophet of doom and say that someone has not changed. The Deputy President has proven himself to be a reformed individual. It is until the government proves that he is corrupt that we should not support him," Fr. Pesa said.
However, Fr. Pesa also warned Ruto to ensure that the donations are used properly and that they do not end up in the wrong hands.
"You cannot be a prophet of doom and say that someone has not changed. The Deputy President has proven himself to be a reformed individual. It is until the government proves that he is corrupt that we should not support him," Fr. Pesa said.
Fr. Pesa's statement comes after ODM leader Raila Odinga asked churches to reject Ruto's donations, saying that the funds are unknown and may be proceeds of corruption.
