The lawyer claims the money should be surrendered to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as it could be proceeds of corruption.
Njiru stated that he was acting on behalf of four Kenyans: Kennedy Kariithi Gachege, Lempaa Soyinka, Fanya Mambo, and Peter Kariuki.
He described them as citizens committed to upholding the Constitution and fighting corruption.
In his letter, Njiru questioned the source of the money, arguing that President Ruto has not publicly declared additional income besides his official salary of Ksh 1,443,750, as set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
He linked the donation to recent reports by Auditor General Nancy Gathungu, which revealed massive corruption within the Social Health Authority (SHA), leading to the loss of public funds.
“This means that by accepting the said amount, you are aiding and abetting corruption,” Njiru warned the bishop in the letter.
The lawyer further explained that, under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA), the money qualifies as an “unexplained asset.”
He urged the church to voluntarily return it to the relevant authorities or face legal consequences.
“Our clients have instructed us to inform you that failure to surrender the money will force us to take legal action.
We shall commence private prosecution and also file civil proceedings to recover the funds,” he added.
Njiru also reminded the bishop that keeping the money could lead to serious legal penalties.
He warned that under Section 48 of the ACECA, anyone convicted of economic crimes faces a fine of up to Ksh 1 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The donation, made during a church service in Roysambu on March 2, has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans.
While some defended the president’s generosity, others criticized it, questioning the source of such large sums of money.
Some Kenyans have even threatened to hold demonstrations at the church to protest the donation.
During the same church service, Ruto praised Bishop Mwai for his leadership and pledged an additional Ksh 100 million for the church’s construction.
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