Police in Kenya used tear gas to disperse protesters who attempted to occupy a church that recently received a significant donation from President William Ruto.
The donation of 20 million shillings ($155,000; £120,000) to the Jesus Winner Ministry in the Roysambu area of Nairobi sparked backlash from some young Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living.
Ruto has defended his donation and has offered a similar sum to another church in Eldoret.
Last year, both Kenya’s Catholic and Anglican church leaders rejected donations, citing concerns about protecting the church from political influence.
At least 38 people were arrested during the protests but were later released without charges.
The protests saw demonstrators attempt to enter the church, block roads with rocks, and start fires. However, the church service proceeded with tight security for worshippers, according to local media reports.
Bishop Edward Mwai claimed that unnamed individuals had organized “thugs” to disrupt the church service, as reported by the Star website.
Ruto, an evangelical Christian, defended the donation, stating that it was aimed at addressing the nation’s moral decay.
“Kenya must know God so that we shame those who claim we cannot associate with the church,” Ruto was quoted as saying at another church in Eldoret.
Kenyans have been frustrated by recent tax hikes implemented since Ruto’s election in 2022. He argues these tax increases were necessary to manage the massive debts he inherited from the previous administration. However, many Kenyans believe the government should focus on curbing public waste and corruption first.
Last year, nationwide protests led Ruto to withdraw his Finance Bill, which included several tax hikes.