A group of concerned Kenyans have demanded the surrender of Ksh20 million donated by President William Ruto to Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the church, lawyers representing Kennedy Kariithi Gachenge, Lempaa Soyinka, Fanya Mambo, and Peter Kuria argue that the donation falls under the category of “unexplained assets” as defined in Kenya’s anti-corruption laws.
“Perhaps, the idea of surrendering these amounts to the EACC would, in your view, appear to be very unpopular, but in the circumstances, it’s the best thing to do,” stated the March 5 letter.
According to the letter, the president’s official salary, capped at Ksh1,443,750 per month, raises questions about the source of the funds.
The demand follows a visit by President Ruto to the church on March 2, 2025, where he donated the money.
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The complainants also point to ongoing corruption investigations into public institutions, including the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the State Housing Authority (SHA), as further justification for their concerns.
Furthermore, the complainants cite a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which ranked the president as the second most corrupt individual globally in December 2024.
“Our clients legitimately believe that the Kshs20,000,000 that was bequeathed to you by Mr. William Ruto are or were proceeds of crime, or they fall within the definition of unexplained assets, having been donated by an individual who was on the 30th of December, 2024, ranked as the 2nd most corrupt citizen of the world by the Organized Crimes and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP),” added the letter.
Also, the letter noted that despite the issue generating great public interest, the president has not offered any satisfactory explanation on the sources of the said money.
According to Section 48 of the ACECA, a person who deals with property that he believes or has reason to believe was acquired in the course of or as a result of corrupt conduct is guilty of an offense.
The law states that a person is deemed to have dealt with such property if the person (a) holds, receives, conceals, or uses the property or causes the property to be used.
A person convicted of an offense under this Part shall be liable to (a) a fine not exceeding one million shillings, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to both.
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Demands Issued to Jesus Winner Ministry
Consequently, the bishop has been warned that the group of concerned Kenyans will begin prosecution against him should he decide to keep the money.
Also, the lawyers have been instructed to begin the appropriate civil proceedings against the bishop.
“However, should you not find favor in our advice, you may opt to keep the said proceeds of crime, but bear in mind that should the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) bury its head in the sand,
“And should the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) opt out or abdicate its duties from taking the appropriate action in addressing this matter, be assured that our clients have duly instructed us to commence private prosecution against you for recovery of the said amount,” explained the letter.
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