At least 38 people who were arrested at Jesus Ministry Church in the Roysambu on Sunday have been released.
They were taken to Kasarani police station for grilling, where they were later released unconditionally on Sunday evening, police said.
A group of lawyers had arrived at the station to ask for their release pending probe, if any.
Police authorities agreed to release them.
This came amid
clashes between police and some locals over a donation of Sh20 million given to
Bishop Edward Mwai of the Jesus Winner Ministry church in Nairobi’s Roysambu by
President William Ruto.
Protesters blocked some roads in the area and lit bonfires as police responded with tear gas canisters.
Businesses were closed in the area as running battles raged for the better part of Sunday afternoon.
Church services were cut short after police lobbed tear gas canisters outside in response to the group that said they wanted to occupy it as a message to the church leaders.
Mwai claimed unnamed people he knows mobilised “thugs” to demonstrate at the house of prayer on Sunday. He made the remarks as dozens of police were deployed to the church for protection from a group that planned a protest there.
The protest, organised online under the #OccupyJesusWinner hashtag, came after President William Ruto’s March 2 visit to the church, where he promised a Sh20 million donation and a further Sh100 million for an upcoming fundraiser.
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".
Police occupied some of the seats in the church as others stood in anti-riot gear outside.
Ushers frisked those getting into the facility.
Ruto hosted Mwai, the founder of the Jesus Winner Ministry Church, at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday.
Ruto praised Mwai’s church for hosting a recruitment drive supporting a state initiative to connect young people with employment opportunities abroad.
“We appreciate Jesus Winner Ministry Church for complementing our Labour Mobility Programme by hosting a recruitment drive, which aims to secure jobs for our youth abroad,” said Ruto.
“The government will continue supporting this
initiative as we work to expand job and income opportunities for our young
people.
