Amid rising economic struggles, President William Ruto's recent donation to a church has led to protests and clashes between demonstrators and police in Kenya.
President Ruto's Church Donation Triggers Unrest in Kenya
President Ruto's Church Donation Triggers Unrest in Kenya
Protests erupt over presidential donation to church amid rising economic tensions.
In Kenya's Roysambu suburb of Nairobi, a significant donation of 20 million shillings (approximately $155,000) made by President William Ruto to the Jesus Winner Ministry has ignited an outbreak of unrest. Demonstrators attempted to invade the church, expressing their discontent against the backdrop of mounting living costs. Responding to the unrest, police deployed tear gas to disperse the protesters, who blocked roads using rocks and burning debris.
President Ruto has staunchly defended his donation, emphasizing it as part of a broader moral initiative, and further pledged to donate similarly to another church in Eldoret. However, the move faced backlash, particularly from the youth facing economic hardship. Religious leaders, including figures from Kenya's Catholic and Anglican churches, had previously rejected donations from Ruto due to concerns over the church's political involvement.
Despite these tensions, church services continued under heavy security. Local bishop Edward Mwai reported that "thugs" were allegedly organized to disrupt worship, while many Kenyans expressed dissatisfaction with the government's recent tax increases aimed at addressing national debt. Critics argue that Ruto should focus on tackling issues such as public corruption before imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.
The unrest follows a year marked by protests that previously forced Ruto to withdraw proposed fiscal legislation. As tensions rise and the public reacts to ongoing economic challenges, the intersection of politics and religion in Kenya remains a contentious issue.
President Ruto has staunchly defended his donation, emphasizing it as part of a broader moral initiative, and further pledged to donate similarly to another church in Eldoret. However, the move faced backlash, particularly from the youth facing economic hardship. Religious leaders, including figures from Kenya's Catholic and Anglican churches, had previously rejected donations from Ruto due to concerns over the church's political involvement.
Despite these tensions, church services continued under heavy security. Local bishop Edward Mwai reported that "thugs" were allegedly organized to disrupt worship, while many Kenyans expressed dissatisfaction with the government's recent tax increases aimed at addressing national debt. Critics argue that Ruto should focus on tackling issues such as public corruption before imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.
The unrest follows a year marked by protests that previously forced Ruto to withdraw proposed fiscal legislation. As tensions rise and the public reacts to ongoing economic challenges, the intersection of politics and religion in Kenya remains a contentious issue.
