‘Nimewasamehe,’ Says Ruto as He Forgives Critics, Donates Sh20M to Eldoret Church a Week After Controversial Sh100M Gift in Nairobi

President William Ruto on Sunday, March 9, 2025, donated Ksh20 million to AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret to support church projects. This comes just a week after his controversial Ksh100 million donation to Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Nairobi sparked public outcry.

Speaking during the church service in Eldoret, President Ruto defended his donations, stating that no one would stop him from supporting churches.

“My donations to churches are aimed at helping them play a key role in fighting drug abuse and other vices among Kenyan youth,” said President Ruto.

His remarks followed protests at Jesus Winner Ministry Church in Roysambu, Nairobi, where citizens demonstrated against the president’s Ksh20 million donation to the church. The protests, organized online under the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner, gained momentum on Sunday, leading to the arrest of 38 individuals at the church premises.

Police reported that the suspects were taken to Kasarani Police Station for questioning. Meanwhile, Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry Church claimed that unnamed individuals had mobilized thugs to demonstrate at his church.

“People I know very well used them and even sent some here today. Someday, they will know there is God’s presence at this altar. May God forgive our children who are being used in such a manner,” said Bishop Mwai.

He added, “Watu wameingia kwenye mitandao wakaniita majina mbaya, nimewasamehe, na Mungu awasamehe… pia kupitia kwa hiyo maneno ya mitandao kuna watu walikuwa hawanijui, sasa wamenijua.” (People have gone online and called me names, I have forgiven them, and may God forgive them… through these online discussions, some people who didn’t know me now know me.)

The protests were sparked by President Ruto’s visit to the church on March 2, 2025, where he pledged Ksh20 million and an additional Ksh100 million for an upcoming fundraiser. Heavy police presence was reported at the church on Sunday as youths attempted to storm the premises. Bishop Mwai confirmed that he had ordered the release of those arrested, despite police beating them for allegedly planning chaos.