Pope’s Representative in Kenya Hits Back at Ruto Over Church Donations

Pope’s Representative in Kenya has hit back at President William Ruto for consistently publicizing his donations.

While addressing congregants at Holy Family Basilica during Ash Wednesday on March 5 in Nairobi, Hubertus Matheus an Apostolic Nuncio said that it is not a must to publicly reveal what one donates to churches.

“You know that in our country Kenya, if some people give arms, then it is the newspapers each and every time again, even with the amount that was given

But when you give arms do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your arms may be in secret and your father who sees in secret will reward you,” said Hubertus Matheus.

Ruto Criticised for Publicizing His Church Donations

The Cleric’s statement comes just days after President Ruto donated Ksh 20 million to the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi County, and pledged an additional Ksh 100 million.

During the service at Jesus Winner Ministry, the Head of State defended his decision to donate such a large sum to churches, despite having previously barred public officials from participating in harambee church activities.

Also Read: Bishop Mwai of Jesus Winner Ordered to Surrender Ruto Millions or Face Prosecution

President Ruto also stated that there is no mention in the Bible about offerings being returned to the sender after being given to the church. He emphasized that when he donates to the church, he is indirectly donating to God.

“When we give to God, we are not giving to a human being. The offerings we give are not because we are giving to Bishop Mwai. We are not giving to this congregation; we are giving to God,” said.

President Ruto’s donations to the Jesus Winner Ministry have sparked mixed reactions across various social media platforms and ignited public discourse.

Online Users Threaten to Occupy Jesus winner Ministry

In response to this, several social media users have initiated a campaign called #OccupyJesusWinner, planning to occupy the church on Sunday, March 9.

This follows the close relationship between Bishop Mwai, the founder of Jesus Winner, and President Ruto.

Also Read: Ruto Requested to Use His Networks to Raise Money for Global Fund

Critics of the Head of State argue that the bishop should not be hosting President Ruto, citing the alleged atrocities committed by his regime, such as rampant corruption, abductions, and the killing of Gen Z protestors during the Finance Bill 2024 protests.

Activist Jerotich Said “Even Jesus said – as he whipped the money changers – that they will not turn the house of the Lord into a den of thieves. These tactics will no longer work. #OccupyJesusWinner “

X user Cornelius Kipronoh said, “The mobilization for the occupation of Jesus Winner Church is in full swing on TikTok. Roysambu is going to be lively on Sunday! #OccupyJesusWinner”

On March 5, Ndegwa Njiru, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya wrote to Bishow Edward Mwai, the founder of the Roysambu-based church, asking him to return the cash or face prosecution. 

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