"It's tainted": ACK bishop rejects Ruto, MP's KSh 600k donation at funeral

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- ACK Taita Taveta Diocese Bishop Liverson Mng'onda publicly rejected a KSh 600,000 donation at the funeral of Rev. Silvanus Mwakoma in Kirutai

- Taveta MP John Bwire announced the funds, which included KSh 500,000 from President William Ruto, to support Mwakoma's children's education

- The Bishop told the widow the money was tainted and condemned the manner in which the donation was presented at the funeral

A public dispute broke out at the funeral of Reverend Silvanus Mwakoma in Kirutai, Taita Taveta County, after ACK Taita Taveta Diocese Bishop Liverson Mng'onda rejected a KSh 600,000 donation.

The donation was announced by Taveta MP John Bwire.

Mng'onda described the manner of its presentation as disrespectful and the money itself as tainted.

Bwire Announces Donation, Credits President Ruto

Bwire, who described the late Mwakoma as a former colleague from their days under Governor Granton Samboja's administration, told mourners he had personally approached President William Ruto after learning that the reverend had left behind school-going children.

He said the President instructed him to stand with the family, and he announced a KSh 500,000 contribution from Ruto alongside his own KSh 100,000 towards the children's education.

In making the announcement, Bwire referenced Mwakoma's social media activity, saying the reverend had posted a message supporting the Ruto administration just nine hours before his death.

He cited government achievements including the employment of 116,000 teachers and the reduction of fertiliser prices from KSh 7,500 to KSh 2,500 as causes the late reverend had believed in.

Bishop Mng'onda's Public Rebuke

Bishop Mng'onda, speaking directly to the widow, urged her not to accept the money, telling her it was not earned honestly and should not be used to educate the children.

"That money is not meant to educate the children. Do not use it for their education, for it is not good; God has clearly shown me that the money is tainted, it is evil. It is better to struggle and educate our children using honestly earned money rather than money obtained unjustly."

The Bishop took particular issue with the conditions and the public spectacle surrounding the donation, arguing that aid for bereaved families should arrive quietly and with dignity.

He accused the MP of politicising the gesture by requiring mourners to endorse government programmes such as affordable housing in exchange for support.

"Do not impose conditions, such as requiring people to support affordable housing or stadiums that the people of Taita Taveta cannot eat, in order to receive assistance," Mng'onda told the gathering.

He suggested the money could have been deposited directly into an education fund and transferred to the family without fanfare, adding that citizens must be treated with respect rather than subjected to what he termed arrogance and public humiliation.

"Aid should not be accompanied by insults and arrogance; it should be delivered with gentleness and humility. When you go to receive aid, if it is not offered with respect, simply walk away," the Bishop said.

The confrontation highlighted deep tensions over the boundaries between political activity and genuine community support in Taita Taveta County.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.