Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Nairobi’s Roysambu suburb after they attempted to storm the Jesus Winner Ministry, a church that recently received a 20 million shilling ($155,000) donation from President William Ruto. The donation has sparked controversy, with many young Kenyans criticizing it amid the country’s rising cost of living. Despite the backlash, Ruto has defended his financial support for religious institutions and has pledged a similar donation to another church in Eldoret.
Religious leaders have previously warned against political donations. Last year, Kenya’s Catholic and Anglican churches rejected such contributions, emphasizing the need to protect places of worship from political interference. The recent protests turned chaotic as demonstrators attempted to enter the church, set fires, and block nearby roads with stones. At least 38 people were arrested during the clashes but later released without charges. Despite the unrest, the church service proceeded under tight security, according to local media reports.
Bishop Edward Mwai condemned the incident, stating that unknown individuals had mobilized “thugs” to disrupt the service, as reported by The Star news outlet. President William Ruto, a devout evangelical Christian, has dismissed criticism of his donation, framing it as part of his mission to restore morality in Kenya. “Kenya must know God so that we shame those who say we cannot associate with the church,” he stated while attending a service in Eldoret, according to The Nation.
However, many Kenyans remain frustrated by recent tax increases introduced since Ruto took office in 2022. The president argues these measures are necessary to manage Kenya’s growing debt, inherited from the previous administration. Critics, however, believe he should focus on reducing government waste and tackling corruption. Public anger over taxation previously led to nationwide protests, forcing Ruto to withdraw his controversial Finance Bill last year. The clash over Ruto’s church donation highlights the growing public discontent over government spending and economic hardships in Kenya. With religious institutions playing a key role in society, the debate over political donations and financial priorities is likely to continue.
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