Kenyans threaten protest at Pastor Edward Mwai’s church after hefty Ruto donation

Kenyans have vowed to storm the Jesus Winner Ministry church, led by Bishop Edward Mwai, after President William Ruto attended a service last Sunday, donating Ksh. 20 million and promising another Ksh. 100 million.
On Sunday, during a church service at the expansive Roysambu church, Ruto lauded Bishop Mwai, telling off other clerics for their constant criticism of his government, instead, asking them to emulate Bishop Mwai and be ‘part of the solution’.

He said: “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 added, “I want to congratulate in a very special way Bishop Mwai and the leadership of Jesus Winner Ministry for taking responsibility for the youth and preparing them for export labor employment opportunities.”

And to cement his apparent admiration for the Man of God, Ruto unveiled a slew of goodies aimed at the Church, beginning with allocating the Church a contentious plot of land and then dishing out millions for the sake of a ‘Church construction’.

First, President Ruto confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had handed over a 20-acre plot of land in Roysambu to the flamboyant city preacher.

KDF had numerously contested a transaction involving the said parcel by Uchumi Supermarket, a public listed supermarket chain that collapsed over debt.

“In your prayers to me, you fronted the land contestation issue, and you told me you wanted it resolved. Because you prayed for me to become the Chief of the Armed Forces, and God gave me that power, I gave orders to the Ministry of Lands to do their mandate,” Ruto announced.

“Since I am the Commander-in-Chief, I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there. I will personally join hands with you to make it happen…”

Ruto went on to donate Ksh. 20 million of his own money, telling the City preacher that he would rally his friends to raise an additional Ksh. 100 million to help set up Mwai’s megachurch.

He said, “I will donate Ksh. 20 million first, and we will plan a harambee with my friends to raise Ksh. 100 million in support. This church will be built so that we embarrass the enemy of this country.”

The President went on to dismiss critics questioning his frequent donations to churches, insisting that his contributions were acts of faith rather than mere political optics.

“I have been criticized for giving donations to churches, but when we give to churches, we don’t give to humans, bishops, or congregations—we give to God [and] I have searched the Bible, and nowhere does it say that when you give to God, the bishops return the money. I am a product of giving to God, and I am unapologetic about it,” he declared.

His actions at Jesus Winner Ministry sparked outrage among Kenyans on social media, with many criticizing him for his misplaced priorities and vowing to storm the Church’s headquarters in Roysambu to protest the President’s astounding generosity.

Kenyans have created a hashtag, #OccupyJesusWinner, to rally support for their March 9 protest, which they plan to take to Bishop Mwai’s pulpit.

Several prominent X personalities, including Francis Gaitho and outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, have also joined the calls to physically pressure the Church, with many more sharing posters and encouraging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers.

“Mark the date. It’s this Sunday 9 March we must occupy Jesus Winners Ministry Roysambu…” Ndegwa Njiru posted, while sharing the poster.

KANU digital strategist Cornelius K. Rono posted, “Kenyans have a date with the Jesus Winner Church on Sunday. It’s going to be a day like no other. #OccupyJesusWinner.”

Blogger Francis Gaitho also applied pressure, posting, “This is it. We’ve had enough. Kama mbaya mbaya. Kaende kaende. Kufinish kumalo. #OccupyJesusWinner!”

INJECT Party Leader Morara Kebaso also chimed in, writing, “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.

Ruto’s comments on Sunday highlight a growing schism between his administration, sections of the church, and Kenyans, with some clergy accusing him of using religion for political gain while selectively rewarding those who support his government.

In recent months, several prominent Kenyan bishops have taken a firm stand against political donations, rejecting financial contributions from politicians, particularly those in President Ruto’s administration.

By citizen digital