A group of four Kenyans is demanding that Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu hand over President William Ruto’s Ksh. 20 million church donation to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), raising concerns over the source of the funds.
Through a demand letter drafted by Ndegwa and Ndegwa Associates, the group—Kennedy Kariithi Gachenge, Lempaa Soyinka, Fanya Mambo, and Peter Kuira—argued that the money could be linked to corruption, as the President did not disclose its origin.
Suspicious Timing and Possible Corruption Links
The letter highlights that the donation came amid corruption scandals flagged by the Auditor General, including irregularities in the Social Health Authority (SHA). The group contends that by accepting the money, Bishop Mwai is “aiding and abetting the commission of a crime.”
They also questioned how President Ruto, whose monthly salary is capped at Ksh. 1,443,750 by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), could afford to donate an amount nearly 20 times his salary—while also pledging an additional Ksh. 100 million to the church.
OCCRP Report and Legal Threats
The group cited the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which ranked President Ruto as the second most corrupt individual globally in 2024. Based on this, they believe the funds may be proceeds of crime or fall under the category of “unexplained assets.”
They warned Bishop Mwai that failure to surrender the money to the EACC would result in legal action. “Perhaps, the idea of surrendering these amounts to the EACC would, in your view, appear to be very unpopular, but in the circumstances, it’s the best thing to do,” the letter stated.
Legal Implications Under Anti-Corruption Laws
The demand letter referenced Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA), which criminalizes handling property acquired through corrupt means. Convictions under this law carry severe penalties, including a fine of up to Ksh. 1 million, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both.
If Bishop Mwai refuses to comply, the group has instructed their lawyers to initiate private legal proceedings against him. “Should the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) bury its head in the sand, and should the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) fail to act, be assured that our clients will commence private prosecution to recover the said amount,” the letter warned.
Public Outcry and Planned Church Protest
The controversy has sparked outrage among Kenyans, with a section of the public threatening to stage a protest at Jesus Winner Ministry on Sunday if the funds are not surrendered.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on Bishop Mwai—will he heed the call to return the money, or will he face legal and public backlash?
