President Ruto donates Sh20m to Roysambu church despite ban on harambees
What you need to know:
- In July 2024, against the backdrop of youth-led anti-government protests, Dr Ruto banned church donations by state officials as he announced austerity measures to calm the nation.
- The Head of State said he was aware of criticism and backlash from a section of Kenyans about his donations but vowed to carry on, adding that this far that he has reached is due to giving.
President William Ruto on Sunday continued with church donations despite issuing an order banning politicians and government officials from making cash contributions to harambees.
While attending the church at the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, President Ruto donated Sh20 million in cash as he vowed to ignore his critics.
“In the construction of our church here, myself, I will give out Sh20 million first,” Dr Ruto said as the church burst into cheers and celebrations.
Citing his close relationship with the Reverend Edward Mwai, the President said he would raise another Sh100 million towards the construction of the church.
“In that fundraising, I want to be given a polling centre so that I will go and make arrangements with my friends, and we will raise Sh100 million,” he said.
He said that he understands the Bible well and that what he has been giving whenever he attends the church service is due to his religious background.
In July 2024, against the backdrop of youth-led anti-government protests, Dr Ruto banned church donations by state officials as he announced austerity measures to calm the nation.
"The Attorney-General is hereby directed to prepare and submit legislation to this effect and develop a mechanism for structured and transparent contribution for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes," he said.
The Head of State said he was aware of criticism and backlash from a section of Kenyans about his donations but vowed to carry on, adding that this far that he has reached is due to giving.
“Some of us, I being among them, are products of giving to God. And I'm unapologetic about giving to God.”
The President reiterated that he would continue donating to the church, as he hit out at some of the churches, including the Catholic Church, which returned his money.
“I've really tried to search in the bible for a place which says that when you give to God, it will be returned to you by the bishop.”
In November 2024, Catholic Bishops rejected the President’s donation of Sh5.8 million to the Soweto Parish.
President Ruto had donated Sh600,000 to the choir and Sh2 million for the construction of the Father’s house, along with a promise of an additional Sh3 million and a parish bus.
On the recent stinky squabble between Kenya Power and Nairobi City County, the President condemned both parties, saying the drastic measures taken were uncalled for.
The President also said that his administration is progressing well in implementing universal healthcare coverage, noting that the few challenges that have been facing the Social Health Authority will be over.
According to the President, some of the issues surrounding UHC might take longer to be resolved, asking Kenyans to be patient as they work on improving health services.
“It is the biggest programme we have in the country. It may take time for things to align, but believe you me, it is going to work.”