- President Ruto defends his multi-million church donations despite austerity measures.
- Labels critics as “people who don’t believe in God.”
- Pledges Ksh.100 million for Jesus Winner Ministry construction fundraiser.
- Protesters attempt to block Thika Road in response to donations.
- Ruto insists church contributions help combat youth drug abuse and promote morality.
President William Ruto has hit back at those questioning his continued financial contributions to churches, despite his previous directive barring State officers from fundraising. Speaking at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret, Ruto dismissed critics, branding them as “people who don’t believe in God.”
“The devil is very proud… There is a lot of controversy in this country about giving in churches, building sanctuaries, and the place of God in Kenya,” he said.
Ruto quoted Daniel 11:32, saying, “Those who know their God will be strong and do great exploits,” vowing that faith and religious contributions would not be silenced.
Multi-Million Donations Spark Protests
His latest pledge of Ksh.20 million to AIC Fellowship Annex and Ksh.100 million for an upcoming construction fundraiser at Jesus Winner Ministry has sparked public outrage.
As Ruto spoke in Eldoret, protests erupted in Nairobi’s Roysambu, with demonstrators attempting to block Thika Road near the Jesus Winner Ministry church. Heavy police presence prevented them from reaching the church, forcing them to shift to the highway.
Critics have also turned their attention to Bishop Edward Mwai, accusing him of accepting large political donations while citizens struggle with deteriorating public services
Church Giving vs. Government Austerity
In July 2024, at the height of nationwide anti-government protests, Ruto banned State officers from fundraising to curb corruption and the misuse of public funds. However, he now argues that giving to churches is a moral duty, citing youth moral decay and drug abuse as reasons for his contributions.
“We are losing our youth to drugs, and some people are telling us we should not be concerned about the moral standing of our country? We will, and we must!” he stated.
Despite the criticism, Ruto remains defiant, urging churchgoers not to be “threatened by social media people,” signaling that he will continue his donations regardless of public backlash.
