Running battles ensued in Roysambu as police
and a group of rowdy youths clashed on Sunday.
The group of youths had planned to storm Jesus Winner
Ministry in the area as part of the protest against the church for accepting a Sh20 million donation from President William Ruto.
While the church was heavily guarded on Sunday, a group of
youths began to gather at the roundabout in an apparent plan to march towards the
Jesus Winner Ministry church.
As the crowd gathered at the roundabout, police moved in
to disperse the group, firing tear gas that saw them run for their safety.
The plan to storm Jesus Winner Ministry church was announced
on social media, where a section of youths said they would occupy the church this
Sunday to express their disappointment.
The protests were organised online under the
#OccupyJesusWinner.
Even as plans to storm the church were being made, a group
of others opted to send insulting SMSs to the Jesus Winner Ministry Bishop Edward Mwai as a show of disappointment.
Bishop Mwai claimed on Sunday that unnamed people he knows
mobilised “thugs” to demonstrate at the house of prayer on Sunday.
Addressing faithful at the church, Mwai, without naming
names, said he knew those behind the planned protest and accused them of “using
our children”.
“People I know very well used them and even sent some here
today. Someday, they will know there is God’s presence at this altar. May God
forgive our children who are being used in such a manner,” he said.
“Some of those are thugs wearing Jesus Winner badges here.
Please do not touch them, we are a peaceful church.”
He told his followers he had forgiven those who had insulted
him following the donation pledge, saying, “I forgive all those who have
insulted me and called me names and leave it to God may he forgive them”.
