Pastor Tony Kiama of the River of God Church has strongly criticised President William Ruto over his recent KSh 20 million donation to Jesus Winners Ministry in Roysambu. Pastor Tony Kiama warns religious leaders against accepting money from politicians after William Ruto’s KSh 20m church donation. While the church, led by Bishop Edward Mwai, welcomed the donation with open arms, the gesture sparked public backlash, putting the pastor in the spotlight for accepting the funds. Pastor Kiama questions publicising church donations Speaking to his congregation, Pastor Kiama questioned the need for publicising church donations, arguing that offerings to God should be private and not used for political mileage.
“Last Sunday, we had an amazing time here. So, when I went home, I went through social media. My heart sank. Our head of state went to a church and gave KSh 20 million. Why does anyone feel the need to announce what they give? If you’re giving it to the Lord, why is it necessary to make it public? You’re giving it to God, not to man. Why?” he posed. The Church is repeating past mistakes Pastor Kiama warned that the Kenyan church was repeating the same mistake that led to the current government’s rise to power, accepting money from politicians and in turn, glorifying them. “The issue for me, and the sad part, is this: two years ago, the church was played. The church has been complaining. And now, it’s happening all over again. The same script. The current government went around the country and gave money to pastors.
We sold our country. And now it’s happening.” He commended Catholic and Anglican churches for previously rejecting political donations, expressing disappointment that other churches continued to entertain politicians seeking favour. Pastor Tony Kiama discourages religious leaders from accepting money from politicians. Photo Rev Tony Kiama. Source: Facebook Calls Ruto’s money ‘blood money’ Pastor Kiama went further, branding Ruto’s donations as blood money, suggesting that such funds come at the expense of suffering Kenyans who lack proper healthcare and other essential services. “I saw people jumping and celebrating because the head of state gave them KSh 20 million in a local church. But the question is: when they go to the hospital, is that money going to help? Will the pastor pay their hospital bills? National problems remain.”
He insisted that accepting money while citizens struggle was a grave mistake and issued a stern warning to religious leaders: “When people are dying in hospitals because they can’t access healthcare, that is blood money being brought to the church. And I want to remind pastors out there, just accept the money—you will pay with your blood,” he warned.
by Brian Ajon
