Trouble is brewing for Pastor Edward Mwai as a group of Kenyan youths plans to occupy the Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu. This follows President William Ruto's donation of Sh20 million last Sunday.
The planned protests, which are gaining momentum on social media, especially TikTok, stem from the recent donation, which has angered many Kenyans.
This comes as President Ruto's stance on public fundraising takes a curious turn. Months after banning harambees for state officers, he has continued to lead several church donations, including the latest one, which has sparked outrage.
Pastor Mwai has previously been involved in significant interactions with political figures, enjoying a close relationship with both President Ruto and his predecessor, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Ruto has also promised to mobilise his friends to donate another Sh100 million towards the construction of Pastor Mwai's new church, which is estimated to cost billions.
The church is set to be built on a contentious piece of land along Thika Road, owned by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Kiambu Senator Karungo Thangwa has also weighed in, stating that the land's value is equivalent to the money donated.
"Question: How much is a one-acre piece of land next to TRM?
Answer: Ksh 157 million.
Now you know why the Ksh 100 million pledge was made to the Winners Church. Hii imeenda!" he posted on X.
Inject Party Leader Morara Kebaso has also joined the discussion, announcing that he will be part of those visiting the Thika Road-based church.
On Sunday, 9th March 2025, let us converge at Jesus Winner Ministry Roysambu for special prayers for Pastor Edward Mwai Kiongo. We will forgive him mercilessly," he shared on X.
Activist and social commentator Francis Gaitho says the planned protests should be directed at the church and its worshippers, whom he blames for the public outrage.
"Pastor Edward Mwai and the worshippers who were at Jesus Winner Ministry Church on Sunday mumejamisha the whole country. I've not seen such countrywide consensus in a minute.
Make sure you are nowhere near your churches on Sunday because Kenyans wanatoklezea videadly. #OccupyJesusWinner #OccupyStatehouse #RutoMustGo," he posted on social media.
The controversy surrounding political donations to churches has been a recurring issue. For instance, the Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese previously returned a Sh5.6 million donation from President Ruto, citing concerns over the source of the funds.
Efforts to reach the man of the cloth for comment were futile, as his phone number was temporarily out of service.
