MP Oscar Sudi defends Ruto's church donations, urging leaders to embrace giving

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi has urged church leaders to be honest and fair about receiving cash donations from politicians. Speaking at AIC Pioneer Church in Eldoret during its 50th-anniversary celebrations, Sudi criticized some churches and bishops for rejecting donations from President William Ruto.

The MP noted that Ruto has been a consistent supporter of churches since his days as an MP and emphasized that giving is part of his faith and commitment to community service.

“This is all about God’s work and no one has the right to threaten us or say they will not receive money from Ruto because of some strange reasons,” Sudi said.

Sudi also dismissed claims that donations from leaders are inappropriate, arguing that churches and community projects rely on such contributions. He added, “There was no other way to build churches or other community projects except through people giving in kind.”

Sudi shared that he has been a churchgoer and donor for most of his life. He said his Christian upbringing instilled in him the importance of giving to support God’s work.

"Having been raised in a Christian family and attended Sunday school, I strongly believe in the biblical principle of giving and contributing to the work of God," he stated.

Nominated MP Joseph Wainaina echoed Sudi's sentiments, criticizing church leaders who reject donations as unfit for their roles. Wainaina argued that such rejections are not a punishment to Ruto but a disservice to worshippers.

Sudi also took aim at social media activists who criticize government programs, calling them “useless” for misleading the public. He accused these critics of opposing initiatives like the SHA (Social Health Authority), which aims to provide affordable healthcare for Kenyans.

“Personally, I’m mobilizing Kenyans to register with SHA because I know it will be useful especially for poor Kenyans,” Sudi said, urging people not to listen to those politicizing the program.

Other dignitaries present at the event included First Lady Rachel Ruto, Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, and Health PS Mary Muthoni.