By Rorisang Modiba
- Kenyans protested after President Ruto gave R2.8 million to a church while citizens struggle with rising living costs.
- Police used tear gas on protesters who tried to enter the church, with several people arrested after blocking roads.
Angry protesters clashed with police outside a Nairobi church after Kenya’s President William Ruto gave it a massive donation while citizens struggle to buy food.
Police fired tear gas when crowds tried to enter Jesus Winner Ministry church in Roysambu.
The protest came after Ruto gave the church 20 million shillings (R2.8 million).
Young Kenyans, hit hard by rising living costs, burned tyres and blocked roads with rocks. Police arrested several protesters.
The church’s Bishop Edward Mwai claimed unknown people had sent “thugs” to stop the service, which went ahead with heavy police protection.
Ruto, a strong believer in evangelical Christianity, defended his gift. He said it would help fix the country’s moral problems.
He also promised the same amount to another church in Eldoret.
But many Kenyans say Ruto should focus on fighting corruption and waste instead of raising taxes to pay the country’s debts.
People are angry about recent tax increases that have made life harder. Last year, protests forced Ruto to drop a Finance Bill that proposed even more taxes.
Some church leaders, including Catholic and Anglican bishops, have turned down donations. They warn that politics should stay out of churches.
Pictured above: Kenyan police.
Image source: Pexels
