Leaders of the Jesus Winner Ministry (JWM) have cleared the air on allegations of land-grabbing to erect their church.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Rev Raphael Mwiti noted that the church bought the parcel through an Equity Bank loan and did not grab it from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) as alleged.
Echoing his sentiments, JWM Secretary General Raphael Mwiti added that Pastor Mwai approached President William Ruto in 2024 to acquire the parcel and his request was granted.
“The Land and Defense PSs (Principal Secretaries) came with government surveyors and demarcated the plot,” eh said.
Documents obtained by Citizen Digital show that the church acquired a two-acre plot, adjacent to the Thika Road Mall (TRM) for Ksh.270 million.
“The facility will be repaid by the borrower directly from current account held with the lender by 60 monthly instalments comprising of both principle and interest in the sum of Ksh.6,212,659 each,” reads the document in part.
While visiting the church on Sunday, President Ruto unveiled a slew of goodies beginning with allocating it a contentious plot of land and then dishing out millions for the sake of a ‘Church construction’.
First, President Ruto confirmed that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) had handed over a plot of land in Roysambu to the church.
“Since I am the Commander-in-Chief, I told KDF that this land is a holy place, and the church will be built there. I will personally join hands with you to make it happen,” said Ruto.
Ruto further pledged a Ksh. 120 million donation to the church, which has since attracted uproar from Kenyans, including a plan to protest at the church.
Pastor Mwai has revealed that he has received abusive phone calls from Kenyans since President Ruto’s generous pledge, which has even forced him to buy new mobile lines.
“I have received more than 5,000 abusive messages and cannot make calls,” he told Daily Nation adding he has sunk in panic and paranoia.
He further cleared the air, arguing that Ruto’s donation was only a pledge and has not yet received a coin from the Head of State.
Kenyans have created a hashtag, #OccupyJesusWinner, to rally support for their March 9 protest.
