The demonstration was sparked by President William Ruto’s recent pledge of KSh 20 million to the church, a move that has stirred public debate amid economic hardships.
The protesters, mobilized through social media under the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner, questioned the rationale behind such a large donation while many Kenyans struggle with high living costs.
They argued that the money could have been used to address pressing national issues like unemployment and the high cost of living.
As the crowd swelled around the Roysambu roundabout, tensions escalated.
Police officers, anticipating potential chaos, were deployed in large numbers to manage the situation.
A video circulating online shows officers using force to disperse the demonstrators, with reports indicating that several youths were arrested.
Eyewitnesses reported that police lobbed teargas canisters at the protesters to prevent them from accessing the church.
The confrontation led to running battles, with some youths resisting arrest.
The heavy police presence ensured that the church premises remained secure, but the situation highlighted growing frustrations among young Kenyans.
During a church service, Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry addressed the situation.
He acknowledged that some of the arrested individuals had been mobilizing support for the protest using their phones.
However, he expressed a forgiving stance, saying he had pardoned the youths and requested their release.
Bishop Mwai also emphasized his faith in divine justice, urging Kenyans to focus on prayer rather than confrontation.
His remarks were seen as an attempt to calm the rising tensions surrounding the donation.
The controversy began on March 2, 2025, when President Ruto pledged KSh 20 million from his personal funds to support the church’s construction.
Additionally, he vowed to work with well-wishers to raise an extra KSh 100 million for the project.
While his supporters viewed the donation as a generous act, critics saw it as misplaced generosity at a time when many Kenyans are struggling financially.
Religious leaders have since called for calm, urging the youth to seek peaceful dialogue instead of protests.
Post a Comment
0Comments