Tensions flared in Nairobi after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to storm a church that recently received a substantial donation from President William Ruto. The gift—20 million Kenyan shillings (about $155,000)—was given to Jesus Winner Ministry, a church in the Roysambu area, and has sparked anger among young Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living.
Despite the protests, which saw demonstrators lighting fires and blocking roads with rocks, the church service proceeded under heavy security. Several individuals were arrested as clashes unfolded.
Ruto, an outspoken evangelical Christian, has defended his financial contributions to religious institutions, dismissing criticism and pledging a similar donation to another church in Eldoret. Speaking at a separate church gathering, he framed his actions as part of a broader effort to “restore Kenya’s moral compass,” adding, “Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church.”
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However, his generosity has raised concerns, with critics arguing that religious donations from political figures blur the lines between faith and governance. In fact, last year, both Catholic and Anglican leaders in Kenya publicly rejected donations from politicians, warning that the church should not be used as a tool for political influence.
Underlying the outrage is deep-seated frustration over the country’s economic challenges. Since taking office in 2022, Ruto has introduced a series of tax hikes, citing the need to address Kenya’s substantial debt, which he attributes to the previous administration.
However, many citizens argue that the government should prioritize eliminating corruption and curbing excessive spending before imposing heavier financial burdens on ordinary Kenyans.
Last year, nationwide protests forced Ruto to withdraw his Finance Bill, which had proposed additional tax increases. The current wave of discontent suggests that economic grievances remain a powerful rallying point for young Kenyans, who feel increasingly alienated from a government they perceive as out of touch with their struggles.
As protests continue, the debate over Ruto’s church donations has become a flashpoint, reflecting broader frustrations over governance, economic policy, and the role of religion in politics.
