Heavy police presence at Jesus Winner Ministry ahead of expected protest

A video obtained by Citizen Digital showed a police truck parked close to the church while several officers manned the facility's main entrance.

Kenyans created a hashtag, #OccupyJesusWinner, to rally support for their March 9 protest, which they planned to take to Bishop Edward Mwai's pulpit.

This came after President William Ruto visited the church on March 2 and promised to give a personal donation of Ksh.20 million and later give Ksh.100 million through a harambee, sending the faithful into cheers. 

The pronouncement, however, sparked outrage from dissatisfied Kenyans, who questioned why Pastor Mwai would allow the President to make a lump sum donation amidst calls for austerity.

Several prominent X personalities, including Francis Gaitho and outspoken lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, have joined the calls to physically pressure the Church, with many more sharing posters and encouraging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers.

"Mark the date. It's this Sunday 9 March we must occupy Jesus Winners Ministry Roysambu..." Ndegwa Njiru posted, while sharing the poster.

Pastor Mwai has since revealed that he has received abusive phone calls from Kenyans since President Ruto's generous pledge, which has even forced him to buy new mobile lines.

"I have received more than 5,000 abusive messages and cannot make calls," he told Daily Nation adding he has sunk in panic and paranoia.

He further cleared the air, arguing that Ruto's donation was only a pledge and has not yet received a coin from the Head of State.

Trying to quell the rising tensions, leaders of the church cleared the air on allegations of land-grabbing to erect their church.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Rev Raphael Mwiti noted that the church bought the parcel through an Equity Bank loan and did not grab it from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as alleged.

Echoing his sentiments, JWM Secretary General Raphael Mwiti added that Pastor Mwai approached President Ruto in 2024 to acquire the parcel and his request was granted.