Nyandarua County Senator John Methu has advised churches to avoid inviting President William Ruto to their services, arguing that his presence often brings unrest.
Methu made the remarks on Sunday, March 9, 2025, while addressing a congregation at a different church. His statement followed an incident near TRM Mall in Roysambu, where a group of youth threatened to storm Jesus Winner Ministry Church. Their protest was linked to President Ruto’s Ksh20 million donation to the church.
During his address, Methu praised the church he was attending for maintaining order and ensuring a peaceful worship environment. He noted that upon arrival, ushers warmly welcomed him and guided him to his seat. However, he contrasted this experience with what he witnessed in Roysambu, where he observed heavy security presence.
He expressed concern that the presence of numerous security officers outside the church indicated underlying issues. He suggested that associating with the wrong people leads to trouble, hinting that the chaos outside Jesus Winner Ministry Church was a consequence of poor alliances.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful worship environment without external disturbances.
“Lakini kitu imenifurahisha ni ii kanisa yenu ktoka uko kwa gate, usher wanakukaribisha, ukifika pale usher anakukaribisha, ukifika hapa, usher anakuonyesha pahali pa kukaa. Iko kanisa ingine nimepita pale Roysambu, ukifika kwa gate, askari 40, wewe unataka kuenda mbinguni lakini askari wamejaa. Kanisa kama ii yako iko na bishop apa anahubiri anataka kupeleka watu mbinguni. Iyo ingine vijana 39 wameingia wakitaka kupelekwa mbinguni lakini wamepelekwa jela,” Methu observed.
Adding;
“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.”
Ksh120 million pledge
President Ruto had pledged Ksh20 million from his personal funds to support the construction of a church and has promised to raise an additional Ksh100 million during an upcoming fundraiser.
Despite facing growing criticism over his frequent church donations. Ruto said he remained unfazed and he would continue to give to the church. Speaking at the Jesus Winner Ministry, he defended his generosity, emphasizing that giving is deeply rooted in his upbringing and faith.
“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.
The president further stated that his contributions to churches are not only an expression of faith but also serve as a response to his political opponents.
“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,” Ruto said.
His Ksh120 million pledge has sparked debate, with critics demanding accountability over the promised funds. Pastor Edward Mwai, however, clarified that the full amount has yet to be received.
“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.
