•Heavy Security Presence as Tensions Rise Over Presidential Contributions to Churches
Nairobi, Kenya| A heavy police presence was observed outside Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, as security forces moved to disperse protesters gathered under the banner of the #OccupyJesusWinner movement.
The demonstration was sparked by President William Ruto’s recent donation of KSh 20 million (approximately $155,000) to the church, an act that has fueled public debate over the source of the funds amid Kenya’s economic struggles.
Tear Gas and Arrests as Protesters Challenge Church Donations
Early Tuesday morning, police fired tear gas to break up a crowd attempting to occupy the church compound.
Witnesses reported that plainclothes officers stormed the premises before the church service began, detaining several individuals accused of attempting to disrupt worship.
Despite these arrests, services proceeded under tight security as authorities remained on high alert.
Tensions have been running high since the donation was announced, with critics questioning the legitimacy of such large financial contributions from the president at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living.
Some protesters argue that public funds should be prioritized for essential services rather than religious institutions.
Bishop Edward Mwai Defends Church, Forgives Critics
Addressing his congregation amid the unrest, Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry condemned the protests, claiming that unnamed individuals had mobilized young people to disrupt church proceedings.
However, in a reconciliatory tone, he stated that he had forgiven those criticizing him and the church over the donation.
In a surprising revelation, Bishop Mwai later stated that the church had not yet received the promised funds.
“Show me where we received the donation,” he told reporters, clarifying that the KSh 20 million was merely a pledge from President Ruto.
Additionally, Mwai disclosed that Ruto had promised an additional KSh 100 million from his network of friends to support the church’s expansion.
President Ruto Stands Firm on Church Donations
President William Ruto, an outspoken evangelical Christian, has remained defiant in the face of criticism.
Speaking at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret on Sunday, he dismissed those questioning his church donations, reiterating his commitment to supporting religious institutions.
“Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church,” Ruto stated, according to local media.
His remarks reinforced his long-standing position that faith and governance should go hand in hand.
In a pointed response to his critics, Ruto boldly declared, “Sijasema wapende, wasipende” (whether they like it or not), affirming that he would continue making donations to churches despite opposition.
Following his donation to Jesus Winner Ministry, he contributed another KSh 20 million to AIC Fellowship Annex, further solidifying his stance on church funding.
Public Reaction: Ethics, Transparency, and Economic Realities
The controversy surrounding Ruto’s donations has sparked a broader debate in Kenya regarding the ethics of political figures funding religious institutions.
While some supporters argue that the contributions demonstrate Ruto’s commitment to faith-based initiatives, others view them as questionable, particularly given the nation’s economic difficulties.
Critics have raised concerns about transparency, urging the president to disclose the sources of these large sums.
Opposition figures and activists have also pointed out the potential implications of such donations, including their possible use as political leverage ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, ordinary Kenyans continue to grapple with rising living costs, making the optics of such sizable donations even more contentious.
Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, questioning why religious institutions are receiving such large sums while public sectors like healthcare and education face financial shortfalls.
The Road Ahead: A Growing Rift Between Church and State?
As protests continue and scrutiny intensifies, the controversy surrounding Ruto’s church donations is unlikely to dissipate soon.
With religious institutions playing a crucial role in Kenyan society, the intersection of faith, politics, and governance remains a delicate issue.
For now, authorities remain stationed at Jesus Winner Ministry to prevent further unrest, while the country watches closely to see how this debate unfolds.
Will Ruto’s commitment to church donations persist amid growing opposition, or will public pressure force a reconsideration of his financial priorities
The #OccupyJesusWinner protest is more than just a demonstration against one donation—it reflects deeper frustrations about governance, transparency, and economic hardship in Kenya.
Whether this movement will gain momentum or fade away remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate over church donations is far from over.
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