President William Ruto made headlines today after donating Ksh20 million to the Jesús Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, during a vibrant Sunday service attended by hundreds of congregants.
The generous contribution, aimed at supporting the church’s infrastructure development and community outreach programs, has sparked both praise and debate across Kenya’s social and political landscape.
The donation was announced as President Ruto addressed the congregation at the popular Roysambu-based ministry, led by Bishop Edward Mwai.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I’m unapologetic about it,” Ruto declared, emphasizing his commitment to supporting religious institutions that he believes play a vital role in society.
He added that the funds would help construct a new church building, a project the ministry has been pursuing to accommodate its growing following.
The Jesús Winner Ministry, a longstanding fixture in Nairobi’s religious scene, has historically enjoyed favor among Kenya’s political elite, with past visits from Ruto and other leaders like former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Today’s event saw the President reaffirm this connection, framing the donation as part of his broader mission to uplift faith-based initiatives. “Kanisa nalo tutajenga ili tuweze,” he said, hinting at silencing critics through tangible support for such causes.
The Ksh20 million pledge has quickly become a trending topic on social media , with hashtags like #RutoDonates and #JesúsWinnerMinistry gaining traction.
Supporters lauded the move, with one user posting, “This is what leadership looks like—investing in community pillars!” However, the donation has also reignited concerns about the intersection of politics and religion.
Critics on social media questioned the timing and source of the funds, especially following recent controversies over similar donations rejected by other denominations.
“Another church payout? Where’s this money coming from?” asked a sceptical X user, reflecting a sentiment shared by some opposition voices.
The President’s office swiftly clarified that the Ksh20 million was drawn from Ruto’s personal finances, not public coffers, a defense echoed from previous instances like his Ksh5 million donation to Crispinus Anglican Church in December 2024.
Despite this, the gesture comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ruto’s church engagements, particularly after the Catholic Church returned a Ksh5.6 million donation in November 2024, citing ethical concerns over political influence.
Bishop Mwai, visibly moved by the contribution, thanked the President and promised transparency in utilizing the funds.
“This will boost our efforts to serve the community and expand our ministry,” he told congregants, pledging regular updates on the project’s progress.
The church’s plans include enhancing facilities to support youth programs and other outreach efforts, aligning with Ruto’s stated goals of empowering local institutions.
The event wasn’t without political undertones. Gatundu North MP Kururia Njoroge, also in attendance, urged Ruto to consider designating the church as a polling station for the 2027 elections, arguing it could galvanize support among its loyal followers.
The suggestion, met with cheers from the crowd, underscores the ministry’s influence in the region and its potential as a political mobilizing force.
This latest donation adds to a string of high-profile contributions by Ruto, dwarfing his earlier Ksh2 million pledge to Endarasha Academy in September 2024 and drawing comparisons to the Catholic Church’s rejection of his funds.
As Kenya grapples with economic challenges and governance debates, the Ksh20 million gift has fueled a broader conversation about the role of political philanthropy in religious spaces—a topic trending heavily online with searches for “Ruto church donations” spiking in recent hours.
