Church, chaos and cash: Protesters storm Jesus Winner Ministry over Ruto donation

Police on Sunday, March 9, fired teargas to disperse protesters at Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, where they had gathered to oppose President William Ruto’s Sh20 million donation to the church.

The demonstrators, mobilising through the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner on X, accused the government of misallocating public funds amid economic hardships.

 There was heavy police presence around the church ahead of the planned protest.

Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry revealed during the service that several youths had been arrested for attempting to mobilise support for the protest using their phones.

 However, he said he had forgiven them and requested their release.

"I know that there were people using them, and as we speak, some have been arrested and are being held here. But I have forgiven them and said they should be freed. People will come to know that there is God at this altar," said Mwai.

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The protests were triggered by Ruto’s pledge on March 2, when he visited the church and announced his personal donation of Sh20 million, adding that he would raise Sh100 million through a harambee.

"In the construction of our church here, myself, I will give out Sh20 million first," Ruto said during the service. "In that fundraising, I want to be given a polling centre so that I will go and make arrangements with my friends, and we will raise Sh100 million."

The donation sparked outrage from Gen Z activists and other Kenyans who criticised the government for focusing on church contributions while issues such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) remain unresolved.

Pastor Mwai disclosed that he has received thousands of abusive messages since Ruto’s pledge, forcing him to change his phone numbers.

He further clarified that the church was yet to receive funds from Ruto, emphasising that the donation remains a pledge.