KENYA : President William Ruto has pledged to help a Nairobi church raise money to put up a futuristic worship centre which is expected to cost over Ksh1.2 billion.
Jesus Winner Ministry, situated in Roysambu, Nairobi county, is planning to build a state-of-the-Art church that would feature amenities such as parking and a helipad.
Speaking to the faithful on Sunday, March 2, Pastor Edward Mwai revealed that the church would be sitting on a 2-acre piece of land.
Displaying the artistic impression of the church on the screen before the congregants and the president, the presiding cleric further revealed that the church would also feature a basement parking to complement the one in the exterior.
While addressing the church, Ruto acceded to Pastor Mwai's request.
He explained that the government had cleared the land on which the church would be built and issued the title deed and also promised to alienate a piece of land to build a tarmac road leading to the church.
The president, in his personal capacity, pledged Ksh 20 million toward the church's construction.
He made the pledge while taking a swipe at Catholic clergymen who returned his Ksh 5 million offering some time back.
"Show me in the Bible where it is written that when you give an offering, the bishop should return it. Some of us are products of giving to God, and I am unapologetic about it. In the construction of this church, besides all other promises, I will personally give Ksh 20 million first," the president promised.
At the same time, Ruto said he would mobilise his friends for a fundraiser with a target of Ksh 100 million.
"I have accepted to attend your fund drive. In the fundraiser, I will go organise with my friends and look for Ksh 100 million," he said amid cheers from the faithful.
The announced has sparked mixed Reactions on Social Media Platforms as some Netizens decried there are priorities the government should be addressing like construction of Industries to boost employment and Construction of Classes as the Grade 9 Grapples with Infrastructure Challenges following the Transition to CBC.
President Ruto recently promised to donate Ksh 5 million to AIC Kipkorgot Sunday School, in Uasin Gishu County.
Making the Announcement, the head of State, said that Sunday school is an important stage in shaping the future of the Young Generation and Building Character.
“Sunday school is important because that is where we build the character of our children that is the place we lay a firm foundation for the future citizens of Kenya. I will give you Sh5 million for Sunday school," he said.
The President called on religious leaders to build a solid foundation for the children by teaching them the word of God.
“I’m impressed with these children and if we can give a solid character foundation to our children. We will have a better country going into the future; we will reduce the incidences of femicide, drug abuse and criminality if we build a solid character for our children and citizens, especially at a young age," Ruto said.
President Ruto also defended his continued donations to churches in the country, saying nobody can ever get it wrong when they are givers to God.
He said he is a living testimony of what God can do in one's life when they give to church.
"For those of you who may not know, I can give you free advice; you will never go wrong by giving to God and if you want evidence look at me, I am a living testimony of a person who never went wrong for giving to God," the President said.
The donations come months after the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi rejected a cash donation made by the President and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a church service at Soweto Catholic Church in November 2024.
A day after President Ruto worshipped at the Soweto Catholic and Donated Ksh 2 Million to aid in Construction of A Bishop's house and Ksh 600000 to the Choir, The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi declined the contribution.
In a Statement through Archibishop Philip Anyalo, the Catholic diocese of Nairobi turned down all political donations, including funds already received from President Ruto and Governor Sakaja and those promised to the Soweto Parish.
While refunding the Cash, the Archbishop stated that the Church must remain neutral and avoid compromising its integrity by accepting political contributions.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, reiterated statements made by the Catholic Bishops, urging Political leaders to focus on addressing pressing national issues, like corruption, human rights and freedom of speech.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), in a press release on Thursday, November 14, accused President Ruto's administration of fostering a "culture of lies." Sentiments, that the Kenyan Government has not taken lightly.
" The culture of lies is swiftly replacing integrity and respect. Truth seems to no longer exist in our politics, and Kenyans have unfortunately normalized these falsehoods,” the bishops said.
They also condemned the rampant corruption, unethical leadership and abductions, urging Kenyans to hold politicians accountable.
Weeks after the Catholic Diocese turned down the Donation, The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) turned down Ruto's Church Donation in Bungoma.
ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit stressed the importance of maintaining the sanctity and independence of the Church, warning against using religious platforms for political gain.
Speaking during a press conference by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Ole Sapit urged Kenyans and the Clergy to shun the culture of celebrating corrupt politicians.
“We must stop celebrating whenever the president, governors, Members of Parliament, and other political leaders donate money whose source was not clear,” the archbishop stated.
The Archbishop called upon Kenyans and the Clergy, to reject any Political donations, stating the large sums of cash contributed by the Political class are proceeds of graft, stolen from Taxpayers.
“I want to encourage all of us, as Kenyans to reject contributions by politicians, leaders and their appointees knowing that most of the money given is from stolen taxes,” Sapit said.
Ole Sapit also directed the Bungoma bishop who accepted President William Ruto’s Ksh 5 million donation to return the money.
The Archbishop claimed the donation made by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka on behalf of the Head of State was an attempt to shame the Anglican Church.
While apologising for the incident, Sapit termed the move unfortunate adding that the Anglican church would not accept donations whose sources were unknown.
“What happened in Bungoma was unfortunate because it was like a display of trying to see what the Anglican church will do following the recent decision by the Catholics,” the archbishop said.
