Fundraisers back with a bang as Ruto pledges Sh100m to church

President William Ruto, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie (right), General Overseer Jesus Winner Ministry, Edward Mwai (left) and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi County on March 02, 2025. [PCS, Standard] Fundraising events by politicians are back in full swing, at least if recent activities of senior government officials splashing millions at public events are anything to go by. President William Ruto yesterday ignited celebrations among congregants of Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, when he promised a personal contribution of Sh20 million towards the church's construction. In addition, the President pledged to raise another Sh100 million with the help of his friends and confirmed he would attend the church's fundraiser at a later date. The promise was met with jubilation from the Bishop Edward Mwai-led congregation, which is seeking to build a Sh1.2 billion place of worship. Ruto also addressed the controversy surrounding church contributions, acknowledging the criticism but affirming his commitment to "giving to God" and his unwavering stance on the matter. He took a swipe at church leaders who decline donations, stating he would continue to build churches and "shame the enemies." "Whenever we give, we do so to God. I have been trying to find where it is written in the Bible - because I am an ardent reader - that when you give to God, it is returned by the bishops," Ruto said. "I am a product of giving to God, and I'm unapologetic about giving to God. I do it on the firm foundation of the scriptures. I will make arrangements with my friends. We will look for Sh100 million and bring it here," he added, amid cheers from the congregation. Commander-In-Chief In addition to his generous financial pledge, Ruto confirmed that the church owns the 20-acre piece of land, addressing a dispute with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) over its ownership. "You spoke of the land contestation issue and you told me you wanted it resolved. You prayed for me to be the President and God gave me that power. I gave orders to the Ministry of Lands to do their mandate," Ruto stated. "Since I am the Commander-in-Chief, I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there. I will personally join hands with you to make it happen," he added. The President's contribution is part of a growing trend of fundraising by politicians. Last week, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah delivered a donation of Sh5 million and another Sh2 million from the President and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki respectively. President's ban The fundraiser event was organized to help traders in Kiambu who lost their businesses to a fire last month. Ichung'wah gave a personal donation of Sh1 million. In November, Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet and Ichung'wah donated Sh5 million to a church in West Pokot. "We do not donate money in church to please bishops, and we will not stop giving to churches," Ichung'wah said. This followed a rejected donation by Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to Soweto Catholic Church, where Ruto had pledged Sh2 million for the construction of the priest's house, and Sakaja had donated Sh200,000 to the church choir. Last year, at the height of Gen-Z protests, Ruto banned State officers from participating in public fundraisers and ordered the Attorney General to prepare legislation to regulate such contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes. Yesterday, Ruto also denied accusations of being a cunning leader. "When you read the newspaper today (Sunday), wamesema huyu Ruto ni mjanja (they have said Ruto is cunning). I want to tell them, I am not cunning, it is God's grace and because I believe in God," he said. Ruto claimed that many traps had been set for him to fail, but he had managed to evade them all. "There are some people who set up many traps for me, that if I do not fall in one I can fall into another, and because I escaped all of the traps, they are now saying that I am cunning," he said. The President emphasised that divergent opinions on various issues are natural, but the country belongs to every Kenyan, and all should work together to address national issues. Ruto has accused his political opponents of working tirelessly to orchestrate his failure in running the government. I'm cunning "Just because I have evaded one trap after another, now they are saying I'm cunning... No! It is because I'm doing what Abraham did, he believed in God despite how hard things were at the time. I am telling them, it is not what you are saying, it is God's favour upon our nation," the President said. "I will not be intimidated by politicians who want to distract my development agenda to help transform the lives of Kenyans," he said in Taita Taveta last week. Garbage saga The President also reaffirmed his commitment to working with Nairobi leaders, stating that Nairobi is the face of the country. "We must give the true face of Kenya using Nairobi. We will work with the leaders of Nairobi, starting with the Governor, MPs, and Members of the County Assemblies to ensure that Nairobi becomes the true face of Kenya," he said. Although he acknowledged that Governor Johnson Sakaja administration's act of dumping garbage at Kenya Power's headquarters last week was unacceptable, the President praised him for apologising. "I appreciate that the Governor asked for forgiveness because it was wrong. It takes a courageous, strong leader to say sorry. We must now pick up from there and move on together as a city," Ruto said. The President also lauded the church for initiating a programme to support youth seeking employment abroad. He directed Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua to visit the church on Wednesday and offer guidance on the programme. "With all humility, I would want other church leaders to do a similar thing instead of pointing accusing fingers. All of us can contribute to seeking solutions for our young people and other challenges in the country," Ruto concluded.

Fundraisers back with a bang as Ruto pledges Sh100m to church

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