Jesus Winner Ministry Church
has defended the donation pledge of Sh20 million that President William
Ruto made to the church on Sunday, which has generated lots of buzz among
Kenyans.
The
President on Sunday pledged to give the church a personal contribution of Sh20 million
and said he will mobilize his friends to raise another Sh100 million for the construction
of the church estimated at Sh1 billion.
Responding
to the donation, the Board of Management of the church defended President Ruto, saying he has been a worshipper at the church for a long time.
The
President’s donation, they said, followed a request by the church overseer, Reverend
Edward Mwai.
''On the
issue of His Excellency the President of Kenya, Hon. William Ruto's donation to
the church, we wish to clarify to the whole nation that he has been our
faithful worshipper since the year 2009,'' the church said in a statement read
by Secretary General Raphael Mwiti
''Hon. President Ruto pledged his
support of Sh20 M upon request from our church general overseer, Rev Edward
Mwai.''
The
board said the funds were to support the church’s expansion plan, which was
part of a 10-year strategic plan in a bid to accommodate more members.
''By God's grace, the church can't hold
the current members, and our strategic plan is to build a bigger sanctuary in
the piece of land we bought from Uchumi Supermarkets.''
Mwiti also clarified the situation regarding the contested
land in Roysambu, stating that the church owns only 3 acres, while the
remaining 17 acres belong to the Ministry of Defence.
''It's
important to note that the Sh450m paid to Uchumi Supermarkets was raised by our
faithful members and funds sourced through a bank loan,'' Mwiti noted, adding
that the transfer was executed after the church paid the amount to the Kasarani
Mall Limited lawyers.
The church maintained that they
are self-sustaining and do not rely on donations from the public, as they
fundraise within their congregation.
"We are a self-sustaining church, and we
do not depend on donations," Mwiti added.
He urged Kenyans to remain calm upon threat by youths to storm the church on Sunday.
