Kenya’s Catholic Church has formally rejected a donation of approximately $40,000 (£32,000) from President William Ruto which was intended for the construction of a priest’s house and as a gift to the choir during Mass at Soweto Catholic Church in Nairobi. The rejection comes in the wake of a recent statement by Catholic bishops criticizing the government’s failure to honour its electoral promises.

The church’s decision reflects growing pressure from young anti-tax protesters who accuse religious institutions of being too aligned with politicians. Following Ruto’s public donation, many Kenyans urged the church to decline the funds. The president had initially provided around Ksh 2.6 million ($20,000, £16,000) in cash with a pledge to donate the remaining amount later along with a promise to provide a bus for the parish.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi announced that the cash donation would be returned due to “ethical concerns and the need to safeguard the Church from being used for political purposes.” He further declined Ruto’s other pledges and also rejected a separate donation of Ksh 200,000 from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja who attended the same mass. “The Catholic Church strongly discourages the use of church events as platforms for political self-promotion,” Archbishop Anyolo emphasized, noting that such donations violate both church directives and Kenyan law.

The historical ties between churches and political entities in Kenya where over 80% of the population is Christian, appear to be deteriorating. While established churches previously banned politicians from using church platforms for fundraising, perceptions of a close relationship persist. Young activists have accused churches of siding with the government during protests against new tax measures earlier this year.

The backlash against President Ruto’s administration prompted the withdrawal of a controversial finance bill in July. Just last week, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops criticized the government for fostering a “culture of lies” in a statement raising issues related to over-taxation, corruption, human rights violations, unemployment and deteriorating education and healthcare systems. “Despite the calmness we are experiencing, there is a lot of anxiety and most people are losing trust in the government,” the bishops remarked.

In response, President Ruto urged caution among clergy in their public statements emphasizing the importance of factual reporting to avoid becoming victims of their own accusations. Government-aligned senator Aaron Cheruiyot accused the church of spreading misinformation and asserted that the clergy should steer clear of becoming propagators of “fake news” and falsehoods.

With an estimated 10 million Catholics in Kenya who make around 20% of the population, other Christian denominations such as the Anglican Church of Kenya, have backed the Catholic bishops. Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit stated that the bishops were articulating the sentiments of many Kenyans. “Labeling church leaders or dismissing the bishops’ statement as misleading is itself dishonest,” he said. “The bishops have faithfully expressed the truth as it stands on the ground.”

President Museveni has urged church leaders to collaborate with government in promoting income generation and fostering community social transformation, emphasizing that an impactful gospel must address both the physical and spiritual needs of the populace.

In a speech delivered by Minister for Security, Maj. Gen.(Rtd) Jim Muhwezi during the closing ceremony of a four-day retreat for the Western Region Church of Uganda Bishops’ fellowship at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyansano in Rukungiri District. The President highlighted the Church’s pivotal role in enhancing unity and fostering humanity. He called on the Bishops to be exemplary shepherds, extending their outreach beyond spiritual matters to include economic empowerment.

The President encouraged the clergy to partner with the government in combating poverty, disease, corruption and moral decline to achieve a meaningful social transformation.

During the closing service, East Rwenzori Bishop Rt. Rev. George Turyasingura urged church leaders to embody humility and promote forgiveness. He pointed out the challenges posed by technology and the internet as significant factors contributing to moral decay, which the Church must actively address.

The retreat was attended by 38 Bishops from the 15 dioceses across the western region, including Bunyoro, Rwenzori, Ankole and Kigezi. The Bishops elected Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe of North Kigezi Diocese to succeed Bishop Amos Magezi of North West Ankole as their fellowship chairperson.

The fellowship, established in 1976 by four Bishops from Rwenzori, Ankole, West Ankole and Kigezi at Lake Nyabihoko in Ntungamo District, expressed a collective desire to develop self-sustaining dioceses free from external donations which they believe can lead to a patronage model within the Church.

Isingiro South legislator, Alex Bakunda has dismissed circulating social media reports that link him to a recent altercation between an ambulance driver and a security guard at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The reports alleged that Bakunda ordered a break-in at the hospital mortuary to retrieve a body, a claim he vehemently denies.

Bakunda clarified that the ambulance driver, Amos Tukasingura, who operates the vehicle he donated to the constituency was involved in a confrontation with a security guard, John Okello. The incident occurred when Tukasingura attempted to take the body of his sister who had passed away in the hospital. This resulted into a scuffle at the hospital’s security gate.

Following the altercation, Okello reported the incident to the police leading to Tukasingura’s arrest. Bakunda emphasized that his role was to facilitate a discussion between Okello and Tukasingura with the help of police in order to resolve the matter amicably, which, according to him, was successfully achieved.

He further stated that the false reports linking him to the incident are the work of political opponents who are pursuing their own agenda, undermining the interests of the people of Isingiro district.

Bukiro Seed Secondary School in Bukiro Town Council, Kashari South, Mbarara District is embroiled in controversy as its headteacher, Nuwagaba Maureen reportedly divides her staff into factions of supporters and dissenters. There are allegations that she has threatened to dismiss staff members who do not align with her leadership methods, raising significant concerns about her management style and the overall morale within the school.

Teacher Clever( not real name) described an increasingly toxic work environment under Nuwagaba’s leadership. “It feels like we are walking on eggshells, “he noted. “If you don’t support her views or decisions, you risk not only your job but also a hostile work environment. Many of us feel we can’t speak up for fear of repercussions.” This has led to a divide among the staff with some forming an unwavering support base around the headteacher to win her favours while others are left marginalized and disrespected.

Deo Muhwezi, the Acting District Education Officer for Mbarara district could neither confirm nor deny these allegations but said that he will interest his office into these concerns if at all they exist to make sure they are resolved amicably.

The Bukiro Town Council Mayor, Tom Karuhanga (Omwengyengyeto) said he knew about some of these alleged concerns but was tight-lipped on delving into details.

Nuwagaba could not openly speak about the situation saying she is not an authority to do so and referred our reporter to the Chairman Board of Governors, George William Tibaijuka.

Tibaijuka revealed that as a school they are unfortunate to have youthful male teachers on their staff who are on government payroll but do not want to work. He went on to say that some of these teachers had already been sanctioned by the Chief Administrative Officer and withheld their salaries for three months and asked them to file apologies before being paid three months later.

He went on to attribute these issues to the area’s local politics where political interests are sighted for failing some of the activities in school,” the area Member of Parliament signed for a transformer meant for the school from the ministry of energy and put it to personal use in 2022. He then chose to pedal influence into stopping a fundraising that was meant to be held at the school”.

He credited Nuwagaba for being motherly to her teachers but further said that it is this character that has culminated into some of the said grievances.

Tibaijuka further revealed, ”we have requested her to have minutes from staff disciplinary committee implicating the teachers who do not teach so that they can be forwarded to the Board of Governors Disciplinary Committee which will then forward the names to the Board of Governors which will in turn forward the names to the ministry for further action”.

Attempts to reach out to the Kashari South Member of Parliament, Nathan Itungo Twesigye were futile since he could not answer calls made to his known numbers.

A section of students have also expressed discontent with the administration. Athens (not real name) said, “We want a headteacher who listens to us, trusts her teachers and values our education, not someone who threatens teachers and creates factions,” she remarked. “It’s affecting our learning environment and we don’t feel supported.”

Concerns have been raised regarding Nuwagaba’s hiring practices. Reports indicate that she has overlooked the academic qualifications of some teachers, appointing lower-qualified individuals to key administrative positions. “It’s baffling to see less experienced individuals taking on important roles while qualified teachers are pushed aside,” one teacher lamented. “This will only degrade our academic standards further.”

A parent to a student in S3 at Bukiro Seed Secondary School only identified as Kushaba said, “We need accountability and a commitment to improving our school. This divide among staff is not healthy for anyone. Our children are watching and they deserve an environment where teachers feel empowered and respected.”

There is a need for a more constructive and inclusive leadership model emphasizing the need for unity and respect which will yield good fruits for the community. Realigning her leadership approach will restore faith in the institution’s management.

Police in Rubirizi District are investigating the death of a 31-year-old man who was reportedly beaten to death. The incident occurred on November 16, 2024, at around 11:30 PM in Nyakagyezi 1 Cell, Katerera Town Council.

Martial Tumusiime, the mouthpiece for Greater Bushenyi police, identified the deceased as Bernard Tusiime, a resident of the same area. The suspect, Fred Muwonge, along with two accomplices who are still at large allegedly confronted Tusiime after he broke into Muwonge’s room on November 15 and stole a small radio.

Reports indicate that Muwonge and his accomplices assaulted Tusiime when they found him returning home demanding the return of the stolen radio. They reportedly beat him until he lost consciousness.

Deus Nuwagaba, a Senior Clinical Officer at Katerera Medical Clinic stated that Tusiime was brought to the clinic for treatment by Muwonge on the same night but later died while undergoing treatment.

Tumusiime confirmed that the body has been transferred to Rugazi Health Center IV for a postmortem examination as the investigations continue.

The office of the Mitooma Resident District Commissioner (RDC) has directed the district Criminal Investigations Department to launch a thorough investigation into the Board of Katenga Omunjoki Savings and Credit Cooperative Limited and its former manager, Crispus Kamukama over allegations of mismanagement of Sacco funds and property.

This action was prompted by a petition from a group of members who reported a suspected loss of UGX Shs200 million from cooperative funds and the unauthorized sale of two plots of land belonging to the cooperative.

Nkuzirwe Erimunsi, the leader of the petitioning group, stated that the savings of UGX Shs200 million were allegedly misappropriated by former manager Crispus Kamukama while the board members ignored the concerns of the members. He also mentioned the sale of two plots of land without the members’ knowledge prompting their appeal to the RDC’s office for intervention.

The Deputy RDC for Mitooma district, Umaru Muhanguzi noted that after receiving the complaints, he attempted to mediate between the involved parties. However, upon discovering discrepancies, he ordered the investigations department of police to take over the matter.

When approached for comment, Didas Tayebwa, the chairperson of the board of Katenga Omunjoki Cooperative, declined to provide any statement regarding the investigation.

Police in Mitooma District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the hacking to death of a 39-year-old businessman identified as Geoffrey Twijukye, a businessman and resident of Katwe I Village, Kigarama Parish, Bitereko Sub County. The incident occurred on Saturday October,17 at around 5:30 AM.

Martial Tumusiime, the police spokesperson for greater Bushenyi police region confirmed the incident which was reported to Bitereko police station that Twijukye was attacked shortly after returning home from work.

According to his wife, Rosette Kyorisiima, Twijukye was assaulted as he opened the front door to enter their home. The assailants used a sharp object suspected to be a machete that struck him on the head and arms.

Kyorisiima stated that when Twijukye raised an alarm the attackers fled but neighbours quickly responded and rushed him to Kampala International Teaching Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Tumusiime noted that police utilized sniffer dogs in their investigation but encountered difficulties when the scent trail stopped at a point on the main road, indicating where the suspects might have boarded a motorcycle or vehicle.

He also mentioned that nothing was stolen from Twijukye, leading authorities to believe that the assailants were solely intent on taking his life.