Kenyan President’s $150K Church Gift Sparks Uproar

Kenyan President’s $150,000 Church Donation Sparks Protests and Clashes

Following a contentious contribution by President William Ruto, protesters tried to attack a church, forcing Kenyan police to use tear gas to remove them. The president gave 20 million Kenyan shillings ($155,000; £120,000) to the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, which infuriated young Kenyans who were already struggling with growing living expenses. Critics have questioned the ethical implications of such contributions, and the donation has heightened concerns about political involvement in religious institutions. President Ruto has justified his generosity in the face of criticism, promising to give a comparable donation to another church in **Eldoret**.

Political donations have been previously rejected by Kenya’s Catholic and Anglican Church leaders, who have issued warnings about the possible misuse of religious organizations for political ends. But Ruto, a devoted evangelical Christian, maintains that his acts are intended to preserve the moral principles of the nation.

“Kenya must know God so that we shame those who tell us we cannot associate with the church,” Ruto stated during a service in Eldoret, as quoted by local media outlet, The Nation.

Protesters attempted to storm the Jesus Winner Ministry as a result of the contribution, which caused violent confrontations. Demonstrators ignited fires and blocked highways with rocks and flaming trash, resulting in clashes. Tear gas was used by Kenyan police, and several people were taken into custody. Under strict security, the church service went on in spite of the disturbances.

According to The Star, Bishop Edward Mwai, the leader of Jesus Winner Ministry, charged anonymous people with organizing “thugs” to interrupt the worship session. President Ruto has proposed a number of tax increases since assuming office in 2022, claiming they are required to alleviate Kenya’s debt problem. However, a lot of people think that before putting more financial strain on taxpayers, the government should address corruption and waste in the public sector.

Last year, widespread protests against a proposed Finance Bill forced Ruto’s administration to withdraw the planned tax increases.

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