Police disperse protesters near Jesus Winner Ministry church

Anti-riot police repelled protesters on Thika Road in Nairobi’s Roysambu area on Sunday afternoon after they attempted to block the superhighway near the Jesus Winner Ministry church.

The demonstrators initially planned to protest at the church premises over President William Ruto’s March 2 Ksh.20 million donation pledge and a further Ksh.100 million for an upcoming construction fundraiser at the church.

However, come Sunday, there was a heavy police deployment at the entrance and compound, making the youth resort to blocking the nearby highway.

Citizen Digital witnessed burning tyres and rocks erected on the road as police tried to quell protesters and control traffic near the Roysambu roundabout.

At the centre of contention is President Ruto’s large donation, which critics fault the church’s leader, Bishop Edward Mwai, for accepting amidst Ruto’s austerity calls.

The protest was mobilised online over the past week under the #OccupyJesusWinner hashtag.

Addressing faithful at the church on Sunday, Mwai said he knew those behind the planned protest and accused them of “using our children”. He, however, did not name anyone. 

“People I know very well used them and even sent some here today. Someday, they will know there is God’s presence at this altar. May God forgive our children who are being used in such a manner,” the city preacher said.

“Some of those are thugs wearing Jesus Winner badges here. Please do not touch them, we are a peaceful church.”

He told his followers he had forgiven those who insulted him following the donation pledge, saying, “I leave it to God; may he forgive them.”

Anti-riot police disperse protesters who blocked Thika Road near Jesus Winner Ministry Church pic.twitter.com/umTKvTWPFY— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) March 9, 2025