- President William Ruto is keen to continue his legacy of building churches across the country despite the criticism
- In 2024, the president banned church donations after the public raised questions about the sources of the funds and the motive
- However, he backslid a few weeks later and embarked on massive donations, with the recent being KSh 50 million to a Kasarani-based church
President William Ruto donated KSh 500 million for the construction of the African Independent Pentecostal Church of Kenya (AIPCK) headquarters.
Source: Facebook
The president’s pledge followed Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja’s promise to gift the church a five-acre piece of land for the mega project.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCK on Sunday, October 12, Sakaja said he was inspired by President Ruto’s generosity and dedication to building churches across the country.
“I have talked with the president, and we have agreed. I will give you five acres of land to build the church headquarters. I would like the president to support you in this course, and he is willing. My work is to find the land and pass the ball to him,” said Sakaja.
In accepting Sakaja’s request, Ruto told the congregants that he was ready for the task and promised a KSh 50 million donation for the construction of the first phase of the project. He pledged to give more funds to ensure the facility is built to completion.
Ruto said the AIPCK church played a crucial role during the struggle for independence and must be recognised and supported by the government.
“I have held talks with Sakaja, and we have all agreed that this church played a very important role in the fight for independence. We cannot repay you enough, but we will do something small to appreciate you for that role…I will donate KSh 50 million so that you can start the construction of your headquarters,” said the president.
In March, the president donated KSh 20 million to Roysambu-based Jesus Winner Ministry for the construction of a new church.
He further promised to raise KSh 100 million to ensure the project is completed.
The president used the occasion to hit out at his critics, maintaining that he would not stop making contributions toward church construction, as he was a Christian who had read and understood the Bible.
In July 2024, Ruto banned church donations and harambees following immense public pressure and criticism, particularly by Gen Zs.
However, barely weeks after the ban, the president embarked on his mission of fundraising and donating.
In November 2024, the Catholic church in Nairobi rejected his KSh 5.6 million donation.
Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the money, which was donated to the Soweto Catholic Church Choir and Parish Council, was not needed by the Diocese.
The president later took a swipe at the bishops, saying he would neither stop nor apologise for giving back to God
“We have no apologies for giving to God because He gave to us first,” said the head of state during an interdenominational service in Kericho
Source: TUKO.co.ke
