A storm is brewing in Kenya’s religious and political landscape after President William Ruto’s visit to the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, where he made a substantial donation and allocated contentious land to the church. Kenyans, angered by what they see as misplaced priorities, have vowed to protest at the church on March 9 under the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner.
During the service, President Ruto praised Bishop Edward Mwai for his leadership, contrasting him with other clerics who have criticized his administration. Ruto encouraged religious leaders to be “part of the solution” rather than exacerbate the country’s problems. In a move that shocked many, he announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had handed over a disputed 20-acre parcel of land in Roysambu to the church land that had been previously contested by Uchumi Supermarket.
“I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there,” Ruto declared. Additionally, he personally donated Ksh. 20 million and pledged to rally friends to raise an extra Ksh. 100 million for the church’s construction.
His grand gestures sparked outrage among Kenyans on social media, who questioned why the President was prioritizing church donations over pressing national issues such as unemployment, healthcare, and economic hardship. Critics argue that public resources should be directed toward improving citizens’ welfare rather than religious institutions with political affiliations.
Prominent personalities, including lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, KANU digital strategist Cornelius Rono, and blogger Francis Gaitho, have mobilized for the #OccupyJesusWinner protest. They are calling on Kenyans to gather at the church to demonstrate against what they perceive as financial mismanagement and religious exploitation by politicians.
Ruto’s donations have also deepened divisions within the church. Several religious leaders have spoken against political funding of churches, warning against the commodification of faith for political mileage.
As the March 9 protest looms, tensions are escalating, with both supporters and critics of Ruto’s church contributions locked in a heated debate over the intersection of religion and politics in Kenya.
