A group of four Kenyans has called for the return of a KES. 20 million donation made by President William Ruto to Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi. The group, through a demand letter from Ndegwa and Ndegwa Associates, urged Bishop Edward Mwai to surrender the funds to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), questioning their source.
The individuals—Kennedy Kariithi Gachenge, Lempaa Soyinka, Fanya Mambo, and Peter Kuira—argued that the donation could be proceeds of crime, as the President did not disclose its origin. Their letter noted that the donation came amid corruption allegations in various public institutions, including the Social Health Authority (SHA).
“This therefore means that by dint of your actions of receiving the said suspected amount, you are aiding and abetting the commission of a crime of corruption,” the letter stated.
The group also questioned how President Ruto could afford such a donation, which is significantly higher than his monthly salary. According to Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines, the President’s gross monthly salary stands at KES. 1,443,750. They further referenced a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which ranked Ruto as the second most corrupt individual globally on December 30, 2024.
“Our clients legitimately believe that the KES 20,000,000 that was bequeathed to you by Mr. William Ruto are or were proceeds of crime, or they fall within the definition of unexplained assets,” the letter added.
The demand letter emphasized Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (ACECA), which criminalizes the handling of property acquired through corrupt means. It warned that those convicted under this law could face penalties, including a fine of up to KES. 1 million, a prison sentence of up to 10 years, or both.
The four individuals warned that failure to surrender the money would prompt them to seek legal action.
“Should the EACC bury its head in the sand… be assured that our clients have duly instructed us to commence private prosecution against you for recovery of the said amount,” the letter stated.
Bishop Mwai has yet to respond to the allegations.
