Duncan Murage
Tensions erupted in Nairobi’s Roysambu area over the weekend as a group of Gen Z activists attempted to occupy the Jesus Winner Ministry Church, leading to violent clashes with police, multiple arrests, and several injuries. The protest, rooted in frustration over a controversial donation from President William Ruto to the church, has ignited a broader conversation about faith, politics, and the role of youth in holding institutions accountable.
The unrest began early Sunday morning when dozens of young demonstrators gathered near the church, chanting slogans and demanding transparency over the Sh20 million donation pledged by Ruto on March 2. The President had also promised to rally an additional Sh100 million for the church’s expansion, a move that many Gen Z activists criticized as tone-deaf amid Kenya’s economic struggles. Armed with placards and fueled by weeks of online mobilization, the protesters aimed to disrupt the church’s service and confront its leader, Bishop Edward Mwai, whom they accused of complicity in political maneuvering.
Police, stationed in and around the church in anticipation of the demonstration, responded swiftly. Witnesses report that officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd after some protesters attempted to breach the church’s perimeter, while others threw stones and blocked nearby roads. In the chaos, at least 15 youths were injured, with reports of bruises, cuts, and respiratory issues from the tear gas. Authorities arrested over 30 individuals, many of whom were detained inside the church premises before being transferred to local police stations.
The confrontation has drawn sharp reactions from both religious and civic leaders. Bishop Mwai, addressing his congregation during the disrupted service, struck a tone of reconciliation despite the violence. He claimed that the youth were being manipulated by external forces with political agendas, asserting that some agitators had even worn church badges to blend in. Mwai revealed he had personally intervened to secure the release of several arrested protesters, emphasizing a message of forgiveness over retribution. “These young ones are our children, even in their anger. We must guide them with love, not condemnation,” he told the faithful gathered under heavy security.
The donation at the heart of the protest has been a lightning rod for controversy since it was announced. Ruto’s pledge, made during a visit to the church earlier this month, was framed by the President as an act of faith and support for community development. Critics, however, see it as an attempt to curry favor with religious institutions at a time when his administration faces mounting scrutiny over economic policies and governance. The Jesus Winner Ministry, a prominent evangelical church with a sprawling congregation, has been accused by some activists of prioritizing financial gain over moral integrity—a charge Mwai and his supporters vehemently deny.
Clergy from across the region have rallied to Mwai’s defense, arguing that churches often rely on donations to sustain their operations and outreach programs. They caution against assuming malintent without evidence, pointing out that rejecting support could hinder efforts to serve the marginalized. Others, however, question the timing and scale of the donation, noting that Kenya’s economic climate has left many young people struggling with unemployment and rising costs—a frustration that boiled over into Sunday’s protest.
Human rights groups have condemned the heavy-handed police response, calling for an investigation into the use of force and the treatment of those detained. Several activists who were released later reported being held in cramped conditions, with some alleging physical intimidation during their detention. The injuries sustained during the clash have also raised concerns, with local clinics treating cases ranging from minor abrasions to more severe trauma caused by the melee.
As the dust settles, the incident at Jesus Winner Church has exposed deep fault lines in Kenyan society—between generations, between faith and politics, and between calls for accountability and appeals for unity. For Gen Z, the protest was a stand against perceived excesses; for the church, it was an assault on sacred ground. The path forward remains uncertain, but the events of this weekend have ensured that the conversation will not end soon.
