Kenya's President William Ruto sparked protests recently after donating some $150,000 to a Nairobi church just months after saying such hand-outs fuelled corruption.

Ruto's pledge of 20 million shillings to the Jesus Winner Ministry Church led to protesters gathering there a week later, demanding the return of what they called "stolen tax money", only to be teargassed by police.

Church donations and fundraisers are a longstanding tradition in Kenya, and politicians often use pulpits to reach the masses in the predominantly Christian country.

It can become political theatre: last year, MP Oscar Sudi, a Ruto ally, drew cheers from the congregation when he delivered a sack containing three million shillings (around $20,000) to a church in Uasin Gishu county.

But the practice has become increasingly divisive since mass protests broke out last June against tax hikes, corruption and police brutality.

In the aftermath, Ruto banned government officials from participating in fundraising drives for churches.

"No state officer or public servant shall participate in public contributions or any harambees (fundraisers) going forward," he said in........

© International Business Times