Recently, Kenya found itself at the center of a heated debate after President William Ruto made a large donation to a church in Nairobi. The donation, worth 20 million shillings (around $155,000), was given to the Jesus Winner Ministry, located in the Roysambu suburb. While this gesture was intended to support the church, it quickly became a point of controversy and led to protests in the streets.
Why the Protests?
The protests were sparked by a growing frustration among young Kenyans facing the burden of high living costs. Many are struggling with the increasing prices of basic goods and services, and some see the president’s donation as an example of misplaced priorities.
The protesters gathered outside the church, trying to disrupt the service. They blocked nearby roads with rocks and even tried to set fires, demanding that the president focus on solving the country’s economic problems instead of making donations to churches. The police responded by using tear gas to disperse the crowds. In total, at least 38 people were arrested but later released without charge.
Ruto Defends His Donation
Despite the protests, President Ruto defended his donation. He explained that the gift was made to address what he sees as Kenya’s moral decay. Ruto, an evangelical Christian, has frequently emphasized the importance of faith in his leadership, and he believes that aligning with the church is key to solving the country’s issues.
This donation is not an isolated incident. Last year, both the Catholic and Anglican church leaders rejected donations from the president, fearing they might be used for political gain. Ruto, however, remains firm, saying the country must turn to God to help guide it through its challenges.
Rising Discontent Over Economic Policies
The protests and backlash against Ruto’s church donation are part of a larger wave of dissatisfaction with his government’s economic policies. Since taking office, Ruto has raised taxes to pay off the massive national debt left behind by previous administrations. However, many Kenyans feel these taxes have only added to their financial strain.
The president’s handling of the economy has led to widespread frustration, especially among the younger generation, who feel they are being left behind in the pursuit of economic growth.
A Divided Nation
The protests against Ruto’s donation highlight the deep divisions within Kenya. On one hand, some believe that the president is trying to address Kenya’s moral issues by supporting the church. On the other hand, many see his actions as a distraction from the real problems facing the nation: economic hardship, rising taxes, and corruption.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how Ruto will address the growing dissatisfaction among Kenyans. Will he focus more on economic reform, or continue to turn to religious institutions for support? The next few months will be crucial for his leadership and the future of Kenya.
For now, the question remains: Can a country facing severe economic struggles afford to focus on religious donations, or is it time for real solutions to the pressing issues facing ordinary citizens?
