President William Ruto has hit back at critics questioning his church contributions, despite his previous commitment to financial austerity.
Speaking at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret on Sunday, Ruto dismissed concerns over his recent donations, including a controversial Ksh.20 million pledge and a Ksh.100 million commitment for a church construction fundraiser at Jesus Winner Ministry in Nairobi. He labeled those opposed to his giving as “people who don’t believe in God” and vowed to continue supporting religious initiatives.
“The devil is proud. Many are debating the role of the church and giving in Kenya,” Ruto stated. Quoting Daniel 11:32, he affirmed that Kenya would achieve great things through faith.
Reiterating his stance, the President declared, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against Kenya,” emphasizing that opposition to church donations would not succeed. He also doubled a recent fundraiser contribution at AIC Fellowship Annex, instructing the bishop to send him an invoice for twice the amount raised.
While Ruto worshipped in Eldoret, protests erupted in Nairobi near Jesus Winner Ministry, where police dispersed demonstrators attempting to block Thika Road. The protest, initially planned at the church, was redirected due to heavy police presence. Critics condemned Bishop Edward Mwai for accepting Ruto’s donation.
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This controversy resurfaces after Ruto’s 2023 directive barring state officials from donating to churches to curb corruption and illicit wealth accumulation. However, amid growing public dissatisfaction over struggling healthcare and education systems, Ruto defends his financial support for religious institutions as a moral duty.
“We won’t be intimidated by social media,” he asserted. “We must safeguard our youth from drugs and uphold our nation’s moral values.”
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