A recent donation by Members of Parliament to a Nairobi church has stirred controversy, with the Atheists in Kenya Society now demanding the funds be returned, citing concerns over the use of religion for political theatrics.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, alongside lawmakers affiliated with the newly formed Kenya Moja political caucus, contributed over sh 100,000 to the Jesus Teaching Ministry (JTM), led by Pastor Peter Manyuru.
The money was reportedly intended to purchase “anointed handkerchiefs” items the church claims have divine powers to expose corruption and trigger confessions.
The handkerchiefs, according to church leaders, will be distributed across the three arms of government: the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Legislature.
While addressing congregants during a Sunday service, Amisi declared the donation was meant to help “cleanse” public institutions.
“I have given sh 100,000 to you, Apostle, so that you can buy anointed handkerchiefs with that money and make sure that you supply the Judiciary, State House, and Parliament,” said Amisi.
“Anybody involved in the vice can succumb to the powers of this piece of cloth.”
Several politicians, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, reportedly supported the initiative during the church service.
In a statement issued on August 25, the Atheists in Kenya Society (AIK) slammed the donation as inappropriate, accusing the lawmakers of using religious symbolism to distract from serious governance issues.
“Churches should maintain their integrity by rejecting similar donations that could jeopardize their independence,” said Harrison Mumia, AIK president. He urged the Jesus Teaching Ministry to return the money, warning against aligning religious institutions with political interests.
Mumia argued that in a country facing high unemployment, inflation, and systemic corruption, churches should prioritize civic education and public accountability over “symbolic theatrics.”
“The church can offer education and resources to empower its members and the wider community to identify, oppose, and report corrupt activities,” the AIK statement read.
The donation comes amid growing criticism of Kenya’s Parliament. Recently, President William Ruto warned lawmakers against soliciting bribes to influence committee decisions, vowing to hold any implicated MPs accountable.
Meanwhile, the Sunday church service where the handkerchiefs were blessed also drew attention for dramatic scenes in which some congregants publicly confessed to acts such as witchcraft after being touched by the cloths. Critics described the displays as “manipulative” and “performative.”
Online, many Kenyans voiced frustration over the incident, with social media users criticizing the political class for resorting to symbolic gestures instead of implementing real anti-corruption reforms.
“And you wonder why we still import toothpicks,” wrote user @mogire_jusper on X.
“A mere handkerchief cannot rehabilitate or redeem them,” another user, brave soul, posted. “People so ingrained in corruption need more than these cheap sideshows.”
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