# President's church donation sparks Kenyan clashes

## 5 days ago
Will Ross & Joseph Winter, BBC News

## Byline
- **BYLINE**: Will Ross & Joseph Winter, BBC News

## Main Content
President's church donation sparks Kenyan clashes
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5 days ago

### Byline
- **BYLINE**: Will Ross & Joseph Winter, BBC News



Nearby roads were blocked by piles of burning rubbish and littered with rocks

Police in Kenya have fired tear gas to disperse protesters who tried to occupy a church that was recently given a substantial donation by President William Ruto.

The gift to the Jesus Winner Ministry in the Roysambu suburb of Nairobi of 20m shillings ($155,000; £120,000) drew criticism from some young Kenyans struggling with the high cost of living.

Ruto has defended his donation and has offered a similar gift to another church in Eldoret.

Last year, both Kenya's Catholic and Anglican leaders rejected donations, arguing that there was a need to protect the church from being used for political purposes.

At least 38 people were arrested during the clashes before being released without charge.

The clashes saw protesters try to get into the church and light fires and use rocks to block nearby roads.

But the church service went ahead with tight security for worshippers, local media reported.



The police prevented the protesters from reaching the Jesus Winner Ministry church

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