NAIROBI, Kenya— What started as a presidential church visit has escalated into a social media-fueled protest, drawing the attention of law enforcement.
On Sunday, March 9, dozens of police officers were stationed at Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, after youth-led calls to occupy the church gained traction online.
The trending hashtag? #OccupyJesusWinner—a digital movement rallying Kenyans to stage a protest inside the church over President William Ruto’s controversial Sh20 million donation to the ministry’s construction project.
Police deployed at Jesus Winner Church in Roysambu ahead of the planned #OccupyJesusWinner protests over Ruto’s Ksh.20 million donation
From the Pulpit to the Police: A Church Under Watch
The heightened security presence included officers inside the church, seated among congregants, while others stood guard outside in anti-riot gear.
Ushers frisked attendees at the entrance, adding another layer of tension to the Sunday service.
Nairobi police boss George Sedah assured worshippers that the deployment was purely precautionary, aimed at maintaining public safety as the online mobilization gained momentum.
Despite the police presence, protest organizers continued rallying support online, determined to confront the church over its financial ties to the government.
Why the Outrage? The Ruto Connection
The backlash traces back to March 2, when President Ruto attended a service at Jesus Winner Ministry and announced a personal donation of Sh20 million, with a promise to raise more funds for the church’s Sh1 billion construction project.
Days later, on March 7, Ruto invited Bishop Edward Mwai to State House, Nairobi, where he reaffirmed his commitment to the project and praised the church for supporting his administration’s Labour Mobility Programme—a state initiative that connects young Kenyans with jobs abroad.
“We appreciate Jesus Winner Ministry Church for complementing our Labour Mobility Programme by hosting a recruitment drive to secure jobs for our youth abroad,” Ruto stated.
However, critics argue that government involvement in religious donations raises ethical concerns, particularly when state resources are at play.
Fueling the controversy further, Ruto revealed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had handed over land in Roysambu for the church’s expansion—a move that some Kenyans see as an abuse of power.
“Since I am the Commander-in-Chief, I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there,” Ruto declared.
Bishop Mwai Speaks Out: “I Don’t Handle Church Money”
As pressure mounts, Bishop Edward Mwai has come forward to defend himself, revealing that he and his wife have been receiving threatening messages since Ruto’s donation.
“I have even had to buy new mobile lines because of the harsh messages I’ve been receiving,” Mwai disclosed.
Attempting to distance himself from financial matters, the bishop clarified that he does not personally collect tithes or offerings, nor does he oversee how they are counted.
Despite these explanations, frustration among Kenyans remains high, with online activists viewing the church’s acceptance of government donations as a symbol of misplaced priorities.
With security forces on high alert and online mobilization still active, the #OccupyJesusWinner movement is far from over.
Whether the protests escalate into a full-blown confrontation or fizzle out under police watch remains to be seen.
