Defiant Ruto gives Eldoret church Sh20m donation as youths protest in Nairobi
President William Ruto has maintained that he will not be deterred by critics opposing his donations to churches.
Speaking at the AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret on Sunday, the head of state donated another Sh20 million in aid of the church's projects, barely a week after he made a similar donation to Jesus Winner Chapel church in Roysambu, Nairobi.
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The donation comes despite ongoing protests at Jesus Winners Ministry against his financial support to religious institutions.
Ruto dismissed those criticising his association with the church, maintaining that his faith is central to his leadership and that he will continue funding religious projects in the country.
He assured the congregation that he would ensure the church’s construction is completed before December.
“You have told me that you want the church to be completed before December, and I know it is God’s will that we complete it before then. I heard that you had a fundraiser last week; take that amount, double it, send me an invoice, and I will send the money,” he said.
Ruto also hit back at those opposed to church donations, accusing them of misleading the youth.
“In our country, Kenya, the word of God will be known,” Ruto said, adding that the country must uphold its Christian values to counter moral decline.
“Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church. We will not allow people to propagate things that drive our youths astray.”
His remarks came amid growing criticism over his recent Sh20 million donation to Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, which sparked outrage and protests.
Chaos in Roysambu
On Sunday, chaos erupted in Roysambu as police clashed with protesters who attempted to storm Jesus Winner Ministry in opposition to Ruto’s donations. The protest, organised online under the #OccupyJesusWinner hashtag, saw demonstrators accuse the government of misallocating public funds while neglecting pressing national issues such as the controversial Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
There was a heavy police presence at the Roysambu church to prevent protesters from gaining access. However, a group of youths gathered at a nearby roundabout before police dispersed them with tear gas.
Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry condemned the demonstrations, accusing unnamed individuals of mobilising protesters to disrupt the church service.
“People I know very well used them and even sent some here today. Someday, they will know there is God’s presence at this altar. May God forgive our children who are being used in such a manner,” Mwai said.
He also claimed that some of the protesters were disguised as churchgoers, wearing Jesus Winner badges to gain access to the premises.
“Some of those are thugs wearing Jesus Winner badges here. Please do not touch them, we are a peaceful church,” he said.
Despite receiving threats and insults following Ruto’s donation, Mwai said he had forgiven his critics.
“I forgive all those who have insulted me and called me names and leave it to God. May He forgive them,” he added.
At least 38 people were arrested at the church and taken to Kasarani Police Station for questioning.
This is not the first time youths led by Gen Z have challenged religious gatherings linked to government leaders. In June last year, First Lady Rachel Ruto was forced to cancel a planned church fundraiser following online backlash.
Protesters have accused political leaders of using churches to evade public scrutiny and accountability, fuelling debates over the relationship between religion and governance in Kenya.
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