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Kenyan police Sunday, March 9, fired tear gas to break up protests outside a church in Nairobi that recently received a substantial donation from President William Ruto. The demonstrators, mainly young Kenyans frustrated by the rising cost of living, attempted to storm the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, setting fires and blocking roads with rocks.
The church was given 20 million shillings ($155,000; £120,000) by Ruto, a move that has drawn criticism amid economic hardships. Defending his decision, the president—who is an evangelical Christian—said the donation was aimed at addressing moral decay in the country.
“Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church,” Ruto was quoted by The Nation while speaking at another church in Eldoret, where he has pledged a similar gift.
Despite the protests, the Sunday service at Jesus Winner Ministry proceeded under tight security, according to local media reports. Bishop Edward Mwai, the church’s leader, dismissed the demonstrators as “thugs” mobilized to disrupt worship.
The controversy highlights growing tension between the government and religious institutions. Last year, both the Catholic and Anglican churches in Kenya rejected political donations, citing concerns over the church being used for political influence.
Public frustration over economic policies has been mounting since Ruto took office in 2022. His administration has implemented tax hikes, arguing they are necessary to manage the country’s debt burden. However, many Kenyans believe tackling corruption and curbing government waste should take precedence.
Last year, sustained nationwide protests forced the president to withdraw his Finance Bill, which proposed a series of unpopular tax increases.
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