Kenyan police fired tear gas and arrested several people on Sunday as protesters attempted to storm a church in Nairobi that recently received a $155,000 (20 million shillings) donation from President William Ruto.
The demonstrations took place outside the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, where angry youth, frustrated by rising living costs, blocked roads and set fires. Despite the unrest, the church service continued under heavy police security.
Bishop Edward Mwai condemned the protests, accusing unnamed groups of using “thugs” to disrupt worship.
President Ruto, a vocal evangelical Christian, defended the donation, stating it was meant to “combat moral decay” in Kenya. Speaking at another church service in Eldoret, he pledged a similar amount, saying:
“Kenya must know God so that we shame those who tell us we cannot associate with the church.”
However, the donation has sparked backlash, particularly among young Kenyans struggling with high taxes and inflation. Critics argue that instead of making large donations, Ruto should focus on cutting government spending and addressing corruption.
Kenya’s Catholic and Anglican leaders have previously rejected political donations, warning that churches should not be used for political gain.
This incident follows nationwide protests in 2023 that forced Ruto to withdraw a controversial Finance Bill proposing tax hikes. While Ruto argues that tax increases are necessary to reduce Kenya’s debt, many citizens believe the government should first curb wasteful spending.
The protest underscores growing frustration over economic hardships and the perceived misuse of public funds in Kenya.