NAIROBI, Kenya– A week after donating Sh 20 million to Jesus Winner Chapel in Nairobi, President William Ruto has again given a similar amount to the AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
While the Head of State insists his generosity is a way to “shame the devil,” his donations have sparked widespread outrage, with Kenyans questioning the morality of such large handouts in the face of a worsening economic crisis.
In Nairobi, hundreds of youth staged protests near Jesus Winner Chapel, demanding accountability and accusing the President of misusing taxpayers’ money.
Their demands were met with a heavy-handed response, as several protesters were arrested.
Police were seen clobbering some protestors and also used teargas canisters to disperse others.
The growing discontent comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.
The cost of living has skyrocketed, unemployment is at an all-time high, and essential services such as healthcare and education are on the brink of collapse.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s debt burden continues to grow, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt through excessive taxation and deteriorating public services.
President Ruto donates another Sh20m to AIC Fellowship Annex, Eldoret.
A Defiant President
Despite the backlash, President Ruto remains unshaken.
“Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church,” he said in Eldoret.
The President’s statement comes in direct contradiction to his 2024 directive banning state officers from participating in fundraisers, a move that was meant to curb corruption and wastage of taxpayers’ resources.
Ruto’s continued defiance raises the question: if state officers are barred from donations, why should the President be an exception?
Many see his actions as a political strategy to solidify his support among religious leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The church has historically played a crucial role in shaping political discourse in Kenya, and Ruto, a self-proclaimed “hustler” and devout Christian, appears keen to secure its backing once again.
Church Leaders Defend Ruto
Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Chapel defended the President’s donation, dismissing the protests as politically instigated.
“People I know very well used them and even sent some here today,” he claimed, without providing evidence.
He further stated that those opposing the donations were misguided.
“Someday, they will know there is God’s presence at this altar. May God forgive our children who are being used in such a manner.”
But as a section of religious leaders justify these multimillion-shilling donations, ordinary Kenyans continue to struggle.
Families are unable to afford basic healthcare, schools are in crisis, and small businesses are collapsing under heavy taxation.
Meanwhile, the government has failed to address the ballooning national debt that threatens to cripple the country’s economy.
With Ruto seeking re-election in 2027, many are left wondering whether his priority is to fix Kenya’s economic crisis or to secure political mileage through religious populism.
