If you have been active on the streets of social media, you might have come across the name Pastor Edward Mwai. He is the senior pastor at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi County. His church has welcomed many high-profile guests, including President William Ruto.
Pastor Mwai, a well-known televangelist, has recently found himself on the receiving end of public outrage after receiving Ksh20 million in cash from President Ruto. The Head of State also promised a jaw-dropping Ksh100 million as a fundraiser for construction. Naturally, this has sparked public debate, with critics questioning where such generous contributions are coming from, especially during tough economic times.
Close-neat relationship
Rewinding a bit, Pastor Mwai has been a long-time supporter of Ruto, and the two share a history of political prophecy and spiritual endorsement. In 2014, Mwai predicted that the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases against Ruto would be dismissed. He also anointed Ruto in the run-up to the 2017 elections.
In 2022, Pastor Mwai made another prophecy. During a church service attended by then-presidential candidate William Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua, the pastor endorsed the duo, showering them with blessings and declaring their impending victory.
“Siwadanganyi hawa watashinda,” Mwai said as he prayed for the two.
A year later, in 2023, now-President Ruto and his now-former deputy Gachagua returned to Jesus Winner Ministry for another service. The visit brought about memories for Gachagua, who reminisced about the moment in 2022 when they had sought divine intervention at the same church. At the time, facing immense political pressure and uncertainty, they had turned to faith, kneeling at the altar as Bishop Mwai and the congregation prayed for their success.
“Today, it was nostalgic to be back at the Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi County. President @WilliamsRuto and I approached the Church in 2022 when we were cornered. We were in trouble; we knelt at this altar. Bishop Mwai and the congregation prayed for us,” Gachagua wrote on his X account in 2023.
Ksh120 million pledge
The promise of Ksh120 million has caused an uproar, with critics demanding answers. Pastor Mwai, however, has clarified that he hasn’t received the full amount.
“For the record, President Ruto never left any money behind. I consider what he promised like any other pledge when you are left chasing after it to be fulfilled,” he said.
Speaking at the Jesus Winner Ministry after his generous donation, President Ruto defended his actions, stating that he was raised in a culture of giving and that he would not stop making contributions to the church.
“I am a product of giving to God, and I am unapologetic about giving to God, and I do it on the firm foundation of the scriptures.”
He also made it clear that his donations serve more than just a spiritual purpose—they’re also part of his political strategy.
“I have accepted to come and do harambee together, and in that harambee, I will make arrangements with my friends to look for Ksh100 million and bring it here. We will build this church so that we shame our political enemies.”
Ruto’s donations have previously sparked debate, with the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) barring Catholic churches from accepting cash donations from politicians. Nairobi Archdiocese Bishop Philip Anyolo notably rejected his Ksh5.8 million donation. While some churches have complied with KCCB’s directive, others continue to accept political contributions.
