Jesus Winner Ministry Church defends Ruto's Sh20 million "pledge" amid calls for return

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)

By Margaret Wanjiru
Thursday, March 6, 2025

The church insisted the funds were a pledge rather than a direct cash donation.

Jesus Winner Ministry Church has moved to clarify the controversy surrounding President William Ruto's Sh20 million donation towards the church in Roysambu.

The church on Thursday said that they are yet to receive the funds which was a pledge President Ruto made during a church service on last Sunday, that has caused a lot of criticism from Kenyans and calls for the return of the money.

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The President also committed to mobilising an additional Sh100 million from his friends to support the construction of a new sanctuary for the church which is estimated to cost Sh1 billion.

However, the church insisted the funds were a pledge rather than a direct cash donation.

Addressing the press on Thursday, the church’s Secretary General, Raphael Mwiti, stated that President Ruto has been a longtime worshipper at the church since 2009 and that his contribution followed a request from the church’s overseer, Reverend Edward Mwai.

“We wish to clarify to the whole nation that President Ruto pledged Sh20 million following a request from our General Overseer, Reverend Edward Mwai,” Mwiti said.

The church maintained that the funds were intended to support its long-term expansion plans, noting that its current premises could no longer accommodate the growing number of worshippers.

Mwiti also confirmed that the church had legally acquired a three-acre piece of land from Uchumi Supermarkets for the project, while the remaining 17 acres in Roysambu belonged to the Ministry of Defence.

Lawsuit

The clarification comes after a section of Kenyans, including prominent lawyer Ndegwa Njiru and three other legal representatives, demanded that the church return the pledged amount, alleging it was obtained through corrupt means.

They called on the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the source of the funds, questioning how President Ruto could afford such a large donation on a Sh1.4 million monthly salary.

"This, therefore, means that by dint of your actions of receiving the said suspected amount, you are aiding and abetting the commission of a crime and corruption," Njiru stated in a letter addressed to the church.

Despite the criticism, Jesus Winner Ministry has stood firm in its decision to accept the funds once disbursed.

Mwiti reiterated that the church is self-sustaining and does not rely on external donations but would welcome any support aimed at its expansion.

“Our church motto is, ‘Accept one another as Christ accepted you.’ Our doors are open, and we do not discriminate against anyone based on their affiliations or status in society,” he said.