Heavy GSU presence at Jesus Winner Church ahead of planned anti-Ruto Sh20 million donation protest
Ruto praised Bishop Edward Mwai for his leadership, contrasting him with clerics who criticise his government.
Heavy security personnel have been deployed outside Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu ahead of the planned #OccupyJesusWinner protest set for Sunday, March 9.
The demonstrations follow President William Ruto’s controversial Sh20 million donation to the church, which sparked outrage among Kenyans, particularly Gen Z.
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The President, while attending a service at the church last Sunday, pledged to personally contribute Sh20 million towards the construction of the church, which is estimated to cost Sh1 billion. He further promised to rally his friends to raise an additional Sh100 million.
Ruto praised Bishop Edward Mwai for his leadership, contrasting him with clerics who criticise his government.
“How I wish other people and other churches could do what Jesus Winner Ministry is doing—being part of the solution instead of worsening problems,” he said.
He also commended Bishop Mwai and his team for preparing Kenyan youth for export labour opportunities.
His remarks, however, drew backlash from many Kenyans, who accused him of misplaced priorities. Kenyans took to social media and organised an online campaign dubbed #OccupyJesusWinner which gained traction, with critics condemning the donation and vowing to occupy the church in protest.
Several public figures joined the movement, amplifying calls for mass action. High Court advocate Ndegwa Njiru shared a poster calling for the protest, writing, "Mark the date. It's this Sunday 9 March. We must occupy Jesus Winner Ministry Roysambu."
Heavy security personnel seen deployed outside Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu ahead of the planned #OccupyJesusWinner protest set for March 9, 2025. (Photo: Handout)
KANU digital strategist Cornelius K. Rono posted, "Kenyans have a date with Jesus Winner Church on Sunday. It’s going to be a day like no other. #OccupyJesusWinner."
Blogger Francis Gaitho added, "This is it. We’ve had enough. Kama mbaya mbaya. Kaende kaende. Kufinish kumalo. #OccupyJesusWinner!"
INJECT Party Leader Morara Kebaso also weighed in, saying, "CALL TO ACTION. On Sunday 9th March 2025 let us converge at Jesus Winner Ministry Roysambu for special prayers for Pastor Edward Mwai Kiongo. We will forgive him mercilessly."
Images seen by The Eastleigh Voice on Sunday morning showed heavy deployment of General Service Unit (GSU) officers outside the church. Reports indicate that only congregants are being allowed into the premises, with security on high alert to prevent any disruptions.
Meanwhile, bishops from the Jesus Winner Ministry branch in Nyeri have cautioned Gen Z against disrupting Sunday’s service.
Speaking to the press, Reverend Benson Mwangi defended Bishop Mwai’s acceptance of the Sh20 million donation, stating, “Bishop Mwai has done the right thing because he is building an altar for the people, including orphans, widows, the poor, and the needy who will receive help there. Other pastors should accept contributions when they receive them.”
Reverend Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry Church (left) when he was hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi on March 6, 2025. (Photo: PCS)
Reverend Veronica Waruguru echoed similar sentiments, asserting that churches have no control over the source of donations.
“God would not be pleased if Christians were unwelcoming to others in churches and rejected their offerings,” added Reverend Martin Mwangi, criticising those condemning the bishop for hosting Ruto.
Bishop Charles Thuo urged Gen Z not to turn the church into a battleground but instead attend services and seek salvation.
“So Gen Z, tomorrow do not agree to go there to protest. Instead, come to seek God, get saved, and address your issues so that things may improve,” he said.
Activists, however, argue that Bishop Mwai should return the money, claiming it stems from corruption and that churches should not host President Ruto due to his administration’s alleged human rights violations, including police brutality during the Finance Bill 2024 protests.
“Even Jesus said—as he whipped the money changers—that they should not turn the house of the Lord into a den of thieves. These tactics will no longer work. #OccupyJesusWinner,” Jerotich wrote on X.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has since written to Bishop Mwai, demanding the return of the donation or legal action will be taken against him.
With security forces on high alert, tensions remain high ahead of the planned protests.
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