Nairobi, Kenya – March 6, 2025 – President William Ruto met with Reverend Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry Church today at State House, Nairobi, just days after a Ksh 20 million pledge made by the President stirred an online uproar. The President’s commitment to supporting the church, which has been actively participating in the government’s Labour Mobility Programme, has led to widespread debate, with many Kenyans questioning the source of the donation.
President’s Pledge and the Labour Mobility Programme
In a statement during the meeting, President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to expanding employment opportunities for Kenyan youth.
“We appreciate Jesus Winner Ministry Church for complementing our Labour Mobility Programme by hosting a recruitment drive, which aims to secure jobs for our youth abroad,” the President said. “The government will continue supporting this initiative as we work to expand job and income opportunities for our young people.”
The Labour Mobility Programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to send Kenyan youth abroad to secure employment and improve their financial stability. This initiative aligns with the President’s focus on empowering young people through job creation, both within Kenya and globally.
The Controversy Over the Ksh 20 Million Pledge
While the President’s pledge was intended as a gesture of goodwill to support the church’s mission, it has sparked significant controversy.
The Ksh 20 million donation, which was announced last Sunday, quickly became a hot topic on social media, with many questioning the legitimacy of the funds. Some Kenyans accused the President of using public money to fund private institutions, while others speculated about potential links to corruption.
Reverend Mwai, however, clarified that no money had been given to the church as of yet. “The President only promised support, and no funds have been transferred to us,” Pastor Mwai explained. “We appreciate the pledge, but there has been no exchange of money.”
Despite this clarification, the controversy has continued to escalate. Pastor Mwai revealed that he had been bombarded with calls and messages from disgruntled Kenyans, forcing him to change his phone number after 15 years of using the same one. “The response has been overwhelming,” he said. “Even my wife, Pastor Agnes Mwai, has faced attacks from the public. People are questioning why we would accept money they believe is from corrupt sources.”
Public Backlash and Concerns Over Corruption
The public backlash is further complicated by President Ruto’s previous actions against corruption. Last year, the President banned civil servants from participating in Harambees, citing the need to curb corruption in Kenya. This has made the pledge to Jesus Winner Ministry Church particularly sensitive, with many people wondering whether it aligns with the government’s anti-corruption stance.
Despite the negative reactions, the government’s support for youth employment initiatives remains firm. President Ruto’s administration has continuously focused on creating more job opportunities, both locally and abroad, to tackle the rising youth unemployment rate in Kenya.
What’s Next for the Church and the Labour Mobility Programme?
While the controversy surrounding the donation continues, the President’s meeting with Pastor Mwai also touched on the progress of the church’s construction project in Roysambu. Reverend Mwai shared updates about the church’s new facilities, which are expected to enhance its outreach efforts and contribute to the local community.
The collaboration between the government and religious institutions such as Jesus Winner Ministry Church highlights the role of non-governmental organizations in supporting national development, especially in areas like youth employment.
As the public debate rages on, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. Will the government’s pledge to the church move forward, or will public backlash force a reconsideration of the donation?
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