President William Ruto is again in the limelight over his move to donate 20 million shillings to the Jesus Winner Ministry church in Roysambu has been met with sharp criticism among opposers.
The president has vowed to continue with his donation exercise and slammed the catholic church for refusing his contributions to the church.
Ruto committed to donating Sh20 million immediately and raising an additional Sh100 million through a fundraising drive.
“I will donate Sh20 million first, and we will plan a Harambee with my friends to raise Sh100 million in support. This church will be built so that we embarrass the enemy of this country,” Ruto declared, without elaborating on who he was referring to as “the enemy.”
Even though captured on record banning church donations by politicians and state officials, in a move to announce austerity measures to calm the nation In July 2024, against the backdrop of youth-led anti-government protests, President Ruto is at the centre of brewing rage after donating ksh 20 million and committing to oversee of Ksh 100 million fundraise for the church winners ministry of pastor Edward Mwai.
Ruto has played down criticism amid backlash from a section of Kenyans opposed to his ideologies about his donations; slamming the catholic church for rejecting his generosity of around Ksh 5 million Shillings as he vowed to carry on, adding that this far that he has reached is due to his generosity nature.
On allegations of Ruto siding with the church over the disputed piece of land, President Ruto confirmed the controversial decision on Sunday during a church service at the Jesus Winner Ministry where he was hosted by Bishop Edward Mwai, a close ally that he flaunted GSU protection in public appearances.
The Chief of the Armed Forces cleared the air over KDF numerously contesting a transaction involving the said parcel by Uchumi Supermarket, a public listed supermarket chain that collapsed over debt.
Ruto confirmed the payback that he issued orders to the Ministry of Lands to do their mandate and ensure JWM Church is facilitated in the process as a result of their prayers to him to clinch power during the 2022 general elections.
On Sunday, Ruto was full of praise for Bishop Mwai, commending him for working with the government instead of criticizing it.
“I wish the other bishops of other churches would have conducted themselves like Bishop Mwai. Instead of pointing accusing fingers, we all can contribute to finding solutions to the issues facing the youth and the country,” Ruto stated.
The President lauded Jesus Winner Ministry’s role in youth employment, specifically mentioning its contribution to his labor export program, which aims to send skilled Kenyan youth abroad for work opportunities.
“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 labour employment opportunities,” he said.
Ruto revealed that Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua would visit the church on Wednesday to list youths at the church in the Kazi Majuu labour export initiative.
“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.
