Jesus Winner Ministry Church has moved swiftly to address the controversy surrounding a donation pledge of Sh20 million made by President William Ruto during a church service on Sunday.
The pledge has sparked widespread discussion across the country.
In his address, President Ruto expressed his personal commitment to donate Sh20 million to the church and also promised to rally his associates to raise an additional Sh100 million towards the church’s construction project, which is estimated to cost Sh1 billion.
In response to the growing buzz, the church’s Board of Management issued a statement defending the President’s gesture, emphasizing that Ruto has been a long-time member and worshipper of the church.
The statement was read by Secretary General Raphael Mwiti, who noted that the donation followed a formal request from the church’s overseer, Reverend Edward Mwai.
“On the issue of His Excellency the President of Kenya, Hon. William Ruto’s donation to the church, we wish to clarify to the whole nation that he has been our faithful worshipper since the year 2009,” the statement read.
The church further explained that the donation would support its expansion plans, which are part of a broader 10-year strategic vision aimed at accommodating the growing congregation.
“By God’s grace, the church can’t hold the current members, and our strategic plan is to build a bigger sanctuary on the land we acquired from Uchumi Supermarkets,” the church stated.
Mwiti also addressed concerns regarding the contested land in Roysambu, clarifying that the church owns only 3 acres of the 20-acre parcel, with the remaining 17 acres being under the Ministry of Defence’s jurisdiction.
He emphasized that the Sh450 million used to purchase the land was raised through the church’s own fundraising efforts and a bank loan, not external donations.
“We are a self-sustaining church, and we do not depend on donations,” Mwiti reassured the public, adding that all funds for the church’s expansion came from the congregation itself.
The statement also urged the public to remain calm following threats from youths planning to storm the church on Sunday, emphasizing the church’s commitment to peaceful worship and community-building.
