Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blamed President William Ruto for dragging Jesus Winner Ministry into controversy and damaging its reputation.
Gachagua accused Ruto of causing unrest at the church after his Ksh20 million donation sparked public outrage.
Speaking during a church service in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, Gachagua criticized Ruto for putting the church in a difficult position and dragging it through the mud.
He claimed that due to the incident, security measures at Jesus Winner Ministry had escalated, with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) now required to ensure safety during services. According to Gachagua, the church had been running smoothly until Ruto’s donation created chaos.
“He has left problems at that church. At this time, for a service to go on, officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) must be there. If you allow him to this church, be prepared to work with the police. The church was going well; now he (Ruto) went there, and he has now left them a big problem,” Gachagua said.
He further urged the church to pray for a leader who truly cares for the country and does not mix religion with politics and business.
“Mchungaji, tuombee ii Kenya tupate kiongozi mzuri ambaye anamuabudu mwenyezi mungu, a leader who cares for this country. Kiongozi ambaye hatapiga biashara na nchi,” Gachagua said.
Speaking at the same church, Nyandarua County Senator John Methu advised churches to avoid inviting Ruto to their services, arguing that his presence often brings unrest.
“Ni vizuri ii kanisa yenu sijaona askari apa. Na muendelee ivo. Watu wakitafuta rafiki mbaya, ivo ndo inakuwa. Walitafuta rafiki mbaya ndo maana kuna askari kwa mlango, ata nyinyi mkitafuta rafiki mubaya mtakuwa ivo. Ata ile Sunday ingine, watakuwa na askari wamepanga barabara, ukikwa na rafiki mbaya, mambo inakuharibikia,” Methu noted.
This follows an incident near TRM Mall in Roysambu, where a group of youths gathered, threatening to storm Jesus Winner Ministry Church. They expressed their displeasure over the donation by Ruto, questioning whether the money had been obtained legally. The protesters accused the church leadership, under Bishop Edward Mwai, of accepting potentially illicit funds.
Ruto’s donation
Speaking at Jesus Winner Ministry when he donated, Ruto reiterated that his giving is rooted in faith and personal belief. He stated that he is unapologetic about supporting the church, citing his upbringing and commitment to religious contributions.
Ruto also declared that his donations were not just acts of faith but also a response to his political opponents. He pledged to raise an additional Ksh100 million for the church through a fundraiser, aiming to silence critics.
“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 told the congregation.
Adding;
“I have accepted to come and do harambee together, and in that harambee, I will make arrangements with my friends to look for Ksh 100 million and bring it here. We will build this church so that we shame our political enemies.”
However, questions have emerged regarding the promised funds. Pastor Mwai clarified that despite the pledge, the church has yet to receive the full amount. He described the promise as similar to any other pledge, requiring follow-up for fulfillment.
“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 stated
