𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐮𝐦: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝!

BY FAITH NYONGESA, TMG Journalist,

On Sunday, there was significant disruption along Thika Road near Roysambu due to a tense standoff between police officers and protesters from the Gen-Z movement. The protestors had vowed to occupy the Jesus Winners Ministry church, and their demonstration was in direct opposition to preacher Edward Mwai. Mwai had recently accepted a generous Ksh 20 million donation from President William Ruto, which had sparked outrage among the protesters. In response to the crowd’s attempts to disrupt the church service, law enforcement resorted to using tear gas to disperse them.

The situation quickly escalated as the protesters threatened to storm the church premises, leading to a temporary shutdown of activities along Thika Road. In total, thirty-eight individuals were apprehended by the authorities for allegedly engaging in unlawful acts during the demonstration. In addition, ten people sustained injuries in the commotion. Despite the chaos, preacher Mwai rejected any allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that the entire situation was a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Mwai also took the opportunity to express that he had forgiven the protesters, reflecting a sense of peace despite the turmoil surrounding the protest. While the confrontation was intense, the preacher remained steadfast in his stance, asserting that he had done nothing to merit such hostility. As the protest wound down, questions about the true motivations behind the protest and its leaders’ objectives persisted.

Meanwhile, President Ruto, despite the growing protests from the Gen-Z movement, stood firm on his actions regarding the Ksh 20 million donation to the Jesus Winners Ministry. He refused to apologize for his contribution, emphasizing that his support for churches was unwavering. In a statement made during a Thanksgiving service at the AIC Fellowship Annex Church, Ruto once again reiterated his position, dismissing the backlash as part of an agenda aimed at undermining the nation’s moral values.

Ruto’s defiance was met with support from several political figures, including Governor Kenneth Lusaka. Lusaka, who accompanied the president, voiced his backing of the president’s actions, noting that the financial contributions were in line with various biblical teachings. The governor’s comments further reinforced the notion that such donations were not only a sign of goodwill but also part of a broader commitment to supporting religious institutions in the country.

Despite the protests and criticism, Ruto remained resolute in his belief that supporting churches was an important aspect of his leadership. His remarks highlighted the growing divide between those who supported his actions and those who viewed the donations as controversial. The protesters, who were primarily young people from the Gen-Z movement, continued to criticize what they saw as an abuse of power and influence by the president.

THE EDITOR’S PICK!

For many of those who joined the protest, the core issue was the substantial donation that Mwai had received, which they felt was inappropriate. They viewed the donation as a symbol of a larger problem in the country, one that they believed was tied to political influence and moral decay. The clash between the protesters and law enforcement reflected deeper societal divisions over issues of governance, power, and morality.