President William Ruto has once again defended his generous donations to churches, emphasizing that his contributions are rooted in scripture and personal belief. Speaking at the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu on Sunday, Ruto reiterated that he is unapologetic about giving, questioning critics who have raised concerns over his donations.
During the service, which was presided over by Bishop Edward Mwai, the Head of State donated Ksh 20 million towards the construction of the church. He assured the congregation of his continued support and promised to return for an upcoming fundraiser.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I’m unapologetic about it. I do so on the firm foundation of the scriptures,” Ruto stated, receiving applause from the congregation.
The President’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny from sections of the clergy and civil society regarding his frequent church donations. Some religious leaders have rejected financial contributions from politicians, citing concerns over the source of the funds and the potential politicization of religious spaces.
Notably, last year, the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi turned down a cash donation from President Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a service at Soweto Catholic Church. The rejection underscored the ongoing debate about political donations to churches, with some leaders calling for transparency and ethical considerations in such contributions.
Ruto, however, maintains that his generosity is a personal act of faith and a reflection of his upbringing. Having openly shared his journey from a humble background to the presidency, he attributes his success to his strong belief in giving.
His continued financial support to churches has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that his contributions align with biblical teachings on tithing and offering, while critics see them as an attempt to gain political favor and influence within religious circles.
As the debate over political donations to churches persists, Ruto remains steadfast in his position. “Giving to God is not a crime,” he affirmed, making it clear that he will continue his charitable acts despite opposition from some quarters.
With Kenya’s socio-political landscape evolving, the intersection of religion and politics remains a subject of intense discussion, particularly in the lead-up to major national events and elections.
