Nakuru church leaders defend Ruto's donation, term it 'an offering of thanksgiving'

Church leaders in Nakuru have defended president William Ruto’s huge donations to the churches.

The clergy drawn from the Pentecostal churches in the county dismissed the accusation of the churches receiving money from politicians, arguing that it is not their role to determine who should give and who should not.

Vowing to welcome everyone in the church, the leaders appealed to the public to tone down on the criticism of the churches and its leaders, warning of the risks of fighting the church.

Addressing the media in Nakuru, the leaders defended besieged clergy at the Jesus Winner church Edward Mwai who has been at the centre of public criticism after he received a Sh 20 million donation from President William Ruto at his church in Nairobi.

The backlash on the man of the cloth has been so bad that he was forced to dump his phone number and acquire a new one after receiving endless calls and text messages from angry Kenyans.

Rev Jane Chege called on Kenyans to desist from casting blanket condemnation on church leaders for the mistakes beyond their control.

Rev Chege noted that the church leaders are not in a position to ascertain whether the moneys given to the church are proceeds of corruption or not.

“As the church leader, it is not in our position to ask the worshipers the source of the offering or donation being given to church. Ours is just to advice the members and leaders on what is acceptable before God,” said Rev Chege.

Rev James Njeru on the other hand emphasized on the need to respect the church for the role it has been playing in the society.

According to him, the church has for a long time been a safe place and refuge for the troubled souls as well as a source of hope for Kenyans.

Rev Njeru noted that the good things the church has done is the reason why people feel indebted and decide to give offerings as a way of thanks giving.

“We have seen churches running different programs to help the needy and give hope to the down trodden. Rev Mwai has prayed for so many people who have been healed or their desire granted. Seeing someone like president Ruto giving such a donation is simply a show of thanks giving which many people have been doing,” said Rev Njeru.

He however maintained that the church is committed to remain impartial in its undertakings in order to earn back the public trust that it has had for a long time.

Rev Edward Kioko in his part defended Pst Mwai’s character describing him as a selfless preacher and a man of integrity.

He pointed out some of the things he has done including giving advice to the government, praying for President Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta when they were facing trial at the Hague.

“I know him as a true servant of God. He has never been greedy for money or donations. I want to urge the Gen Zs to be calm over the matter and understand that offering is voluntary,” he said.