A section of church leaders in Nakuru has condemned the planned protest against Jesus Winner Church by angry youths.
The leaders, led by Reverend James Njeru termed the move as blasphemous and an onslaught against churches.
He explained that the church was a neutral entity and a refuge for all people without discrimination.
Regarding offerings from politicians, Njeru stated that it would be wrong for churches to be judgmental and refuse money given by worshippers, including politicians, for thanksgiving.
“We do not know where they get the money and people’s offerings, tithes and thanksgiving cannot be calculated based on one’s salary because some have multiple sources of income”, he said.
He was responding to a campaign by Gen Zs to raid Jesus Winner on Sunday, February 9, after it received Ksh20 million offering from President William Ruto.
However, the church leadership clarified that it had reached out to the head of state for support regarding its expansion project.
The youths have been mobilizing through social media platforms and have vowed to occupy the church on Sunday.
They have also accused the church of misleading Kenyans during the lead-up to the 2022 General Elections.
Reverend Njeru urged them to control their anger and respect the church in accordance with the Bible. Bishop Edward Kioko stated that the church remained strong, continuing to stand firm in prayer for the nation through both good and difficult times.
Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner church does not have money issues, he is not greedy, he just received the offering on behalf of the church and God,” he said.
Bishop Kioko said that Mwai prayed for former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto when they had cases at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, adding that this could be the reason why Ruto returned there for thanksgiving.
He also asked the youth and Kenyans in general to remain calm because the offering was given willingly and not through coercion.
