By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Demonstrators on Sunday attempted to invade and set fire to a church building in the Roysambu suburb of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, following President William Ruto’s donation of 20 million shillings ($155,000; £120,000).
Jesus Winner Ministry sparked criticism after receiving the donation, as a large portion of Kenyans continue to struggle with inflation.
Despite the backlash, Ruto has defended his decision, promising to make even more donations to another church in Eldoret.
It could be recalled that Catholic and Anglican church leaders, amid frosty relations between Ruto’s government and the Kenyan people last year, rejected a presidential monetary gift, citing the need to protect the church from being used as a platform for political gains.
Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters, making several arrests in connection with the attempted arson attack on the church.
According to local media, the church service proceeded on Sunday but under tight security.
The Presiding Bishop, Edward Mwai, blamed unnamed individuals for the attack, alleging that they had mobilised “thugs” to disrupt the service.
Ruto, an evangelical Christian, defended the donation, claiming it was an effort to address the country’s moral decay.
Kenyans have been angered by a series of tax increases introduced since Ruto was elected in 2022.
Last year, a wave of nationwide protests forced Ruto to withdraw his Finance Bill, which aimed to raise taxes.
