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In a highly controversial move, President William Ruto has facilitated the transfer of a 20-acre parcel of land in Nairobi’s Roysambu to a prominent city preacher, Bishop Edward Mwai, after the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) ceded the land to him at the President’s request.
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The land, previously at the center of a dispute involving Uchumi Supermarket’s collapse, was handed over following an intervention by the Head of State, who confirmed the decision during a church service at Mwai’s Jesus Winner Ministry on Sunday.
President Ruto, who attended the service as a guest of Bishop Mwai, justified the move by stating that the preacher had been vocal in his support of the President’s leadership. “In your prayers to me, you fronted the land contestation issue, and you told me you wanted it resolved. Because you prayed for me to become the Chief of the Armed Forces, and God gave me that power, I gave orders to the Ministry of Lands to do their mandate,” Ruto explained to the congregation.
The contentious parcel, once owned by the defunct Uchumi Supermarket, had been the subject of multiple disputes before KDF finally agreed to part with it. Ruto, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, assured the faithful that the land would be used to build a church.
“Since I am the Commander-in-Chief, I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there. I will personally join hands with you to make it happen,” Ruto pledged, promising a Sh120 million donation to the church’s construction.
The President also took the opportunity to address ongoing criticism from some church leaders, particularly from the Catholic Church, over his government’s policies. He sharply criticized unnamed clerics for their opposition to his administration, urging them to “learn” from Bishop Mwai’s approach of collaboration rather than confrontation.
Ruto’s comments come amid growing tensions between his government and various religious groups, especially the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), which have raised concerns over issues such as governance, corruption, and the rising cost of living. Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Anthony Muheria, have been outspoken in their criticism of Ruto’s economic policies, particularly his handling of taxation and rising prices.
The rift deepened in November 2024 when the Catholic Diocese of Nairobi demanded a refund of a donation made by President Ruto to a parish in Soweto, Nairobi, a move seen as politically motivated by many critics.
On Sunday, however, Ruto praised Bishop Mwai for his collaborative efforts with the government. “I wish the other bishops of other churches would have conducted themselves like Bishop Mwai,” Ruto remarked. “Instead of pointing accusing fingers, we all can contribute to finding solutions to the issues facing the youth and the country.”
Ruto lauded the Jesus Winner Ministry for its work in youth empowerment, specifically its involvement in his labor export program, which aims to create job opportunities abroad for young Kenyans. He announced that Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua would visit the church on Wednesday to enroll youths in the Kazi Majuu initiative.
“I want to congratulate Bishop Mwai and the leadership of Jesus Winner Ministry for taking responsibility for the youth and preparing them for export labor employment opportunities,” Ruto added.
In addition to his Sh120 million pledge, Ruto promised an immediate donation of Sh20 million and a future fundraising drive to raise an additional Sh100 million for the church’s development. “We will plan a harambee with my friends to raise Sh100 million in support,” Ruto stated, framing the project as a symbolic victory over the country’s “enemies.”
The President also responded to critics who have questioned his frequent donations to churches, defending them as acts of faith rather than political favors. “When we give to churches, we don’t give to humans, bishops, or congregations—we give to God,” he declared. “I am unapologetic about it.”
Ruto’s remarks and his decision to award the disputed military land to a pro-government preacher have sparked concerns about favoritism and the politicization of religion. While some religious leaders continue to reject political donations, arguing that the church should not be a platform for political endorsement, others see Ruto’s actions as a sign of his growing alignment with certain religious figures who support his administration.
As tensions between the state and sections of the church continue to rise, it remains to be seen whether the President’s latest gesture will deepen divisions or foster closer ties with certain religious factions.
