Mbeere North Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Ruku has come to President William Ruto’s defence on the Ksh120 million promise donation towards the construction of Jesus Winners Ministry Church amid criticism.

Speaking during a live TV interview on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Ruku responded to the raised concerns about the amount of the donation, he highlighted that Ruto has many close associates and that his philanthropic endeavours have always been supported by a network of influential friends, both locally and internationally.

He further emphasised, the role of tithing in the Christian faith stating that Ruto’s donation aligns with Christian teachings and is part of a wider tradition of giving, especially when it comes to supporting the spread of the gospel.

According to MP Ruku, the President’s contribution should not be viewed with suspicion or controversy, as it is grounded in a personal commitment to faith.

“Tithe is a commandment from God, and as Christians, we do it to support the gospel, that is what the President has been doing and all of us who are Christians do,” Ruku said.

“About the Ksh 100 million donation, President Ruto has made many friends, who can contribute a million Kenyan shillings to build a church, he has more than 200 friends who can give him Ksh 500 thousand each, and he has built a network of friends both locally and internationally over the years, so it is possible for him to raise Ksh100 million to build the church.”

Ruto donation promise

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Ruto, who worshipped at Jesus Winner Ministry pledged to help in building a new church on the land he had helped the Bishop Edward Mwai-led church acquire as one of his plenty goodies for the Roysambu church.

He then pledged to personally give Ksh20 million towards the construction of the church and promised a further Ksh100 million that he said he would mobilize his friends to give on the day of the church Harambee.

“Mbali na yale ambayo tumesema, mbali na kupeana title deed, mimi mwenyewe nitatoa milioni ishirini kwanza. Alafu mimi nimekubali pia nitakuja tufanye harambee pamoja. Na vike kururia amesema hapa mambo ya kuwekewa polling station hapa, ata pia mimi kwa hiyo harambe nataka nipewe polling station yangu. Mniruhusu niende nipangane na marafiki na watu wengine tulete hapa milioni mia moja,” Ruto said.

Ruto on church donation

Ruto, while acknowledging facing criticism for donating to the church, emphasized his personal belief in the importance of giving and commitment to supporting religious institutions, stating that offerings made in the church are directed to God, not individuals.

“Unajua nimelaumiwa mara nyingi sana kwa mambo ya matoleo kanisani,wakati tunamtolea Mungu hatumpati binadamu matoleo tunanyotoa si kwa sababu tunampatia bishop Mwai hatupati congregation tunampatia tunampatia Mungu,” he said.