Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry Church on Sunday revealed that police had arrested several youths who had planned to stage protests at the church.
Speaking during the Sunday service, the bishop stated that the youth were apprehended after arriving at the church with their phones, which they intended to use to mobilise additional support for the planned occupation.
However, Mwai announced that he had asked the police to release the arrested individuals out of forgiveness.
"I know that there were people who were using them, and as we speak, some have been arrested and are being held here. But I have forgiven them and said they should be freed. People will come to know that there is God at this altar," Mwai stated.
At the same time, the bishop alleged that he was aware of those behind the campaign to storm the church following President William Ruto's pledge to donate Ksh20 million.
"I want to say that all those who abused me and called me all sorts of names, I forgive them,'' Mwai said.
"I cannot regret serving you and the Lord. When people took to social media, including bloggers, and saw this as an opportunity to fight me and call me names, you stood with me," he added.
Meanwhile, amid fears of an attack at the church, the government deployed a contingent of General Service Unit (GSU) officers to secure the premises ahead of the planned 'Occupy Jesus Winner' protests.
A heavy police presence was witnessed at the church, with officers strategically positioned to prevent any potential unrest. Photos seen by Kenyans.co.ke showed GSU officers standing at the entrance, some holding batons, while others surrounded the building as part of the security reinforcements.
Additionally, a few officers in plain clothes were spotted a few meters from the church entrance, strategically placed to thwart any attempts by the youth to storm the premises.
These developments follow a social media mobilization by youth under the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner on the X platform, protesting President Ruto’s Ksh20 million donation for the church’s construction. The President also pledged an additional Ksh100 million at a later date.
The protesters have not only questioned the source of Ruto’s donation but have also accused Jesus Winner Ministries of misleading Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some of the youths arrested were later moved to Kasarani police station, a few meters away from the church.
Sophie Njehia, a youth activist who has in the past been appearing in major protests including the calls to free Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besige was among the arrested.
