Pastor Edward Mwai and the rise of prosperity gospel in Kenya

By Newsflash Reporter

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed a surge in the prominence of the prosperity gospel, a theology that emphasizes faith, generous giving, and divine reward.

At the center of this growing movement stands Pastor Edward Mwai, the founder and leader of Jesus Winner Ministries—a popular church located in Roysambu, Nairobi, which has attracted thousands with its promises of spiritual breakthrough and material success.

However, this past weekend, Pastor Mwai found himself thrust into the national spotlight, following President William Ruto’s controversial donation of KSh20 million toward the construction of a new church facility.

The sizeable donation, made public during a widely televised church service at Jesus Winner Ministries, has ignited public uproar, sparking heated debates over the intersection of politics, religion, and wealth in Kenya.

Also read: President Ruto orders immediate payment of NHIF claims

Critics argue that such donations, especially from public figures, raise ethical concerns in a country grappling with economic hardships, soaring public debt, and high unemployment rates.

“This donation is symbolic of the growing alliance between political power and the prosperity gospel. It raises questions about priorities in a country where millions are struggling to afford basic necessities,” said political analyst Dr Samuel Kariuki, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi.

“When leaders give millions to churches while hospitals lack medicines and schools are in disrepair, it paints a troubling picture.”

The rise of Pastor Mwai

Pastor Mwai is no stranger to the public eye. Since founding Jesus Winner Ministries in the early 2000s, he has built a thriving congregation known for energetic worship services, large-scale crusades, and testimonies of financial breakthroughs.

His sermons often focus on divine favor, tithing, and the belief that faith, combined with sacrificial giving, unlocks blessings, including wealth and business success.

“Pastor Mwai’s message resonates deeply in a society where poverty and unemployment are widespread,” explains religious affairs commentator Joyce Wambui. “People want hope. They want solutions. The prosperity gospel gives them something to hold on to—that God will reward their giving with success.”

Jesus Winner Ministries, located along the bustling Thika Road corridor, is often filled to capacity. With a sleek modern design, a vast sanctuary, and media broadcasts that reach followers nationwide, the church has become a symbol of how prosperity gospel churches have expanded both in numbers and influence.

The Sh20 million donation debate

While donations to churches from politicians are not new in Kenya, the magnitude of President Ruto’s gift has stunned many. With the country facing a cost-of-living crisis, fuel price hikes, and new taxes burdening ordinary citizens, the timing of the contribution raised eyebrows.

President Ruto, himself a vocal supporter of faith-based initiatives, defended the donation as part of his personal commitment to supporting places of worship. “I am a man of faith, and I believe in giving back to God,” Ruto said during the Sunday service. “This is part of building the kingdom.”

Read more: Karangu Muraya: Why I married second wife, Carol Kim

But many Kenyans were not convinced. On social media, hashtags like #ChurchMoney and #Priorities trended for hours, with critics questioning how such large sums are available for church donations when the government has been urging austerity measures.

“Pastor Mwai and Jesus Winner Ministries should have declined the donation or redirected it toward public needs,” argued activist Boniface Mwangi on X (formerly Twitter). “We can’t have leaders giving millions to churches while Kenyans can’t afford unga.”

The prosperity gospel and Kenyan politics

Pastor Mwai’s relationship with political leaders like Ruto is indicative of the broader entanglement between the church and politics in Kenya. Churches have long served as platforms for politicians seeking influence and legitimacy, and the prosperity gospel has only intensified that dynamic.

“The prosperity gospel provides politicians with a ready audience eager to hear messages of hope and abundance,” said Dr. Kariuki. “In return, pastors like Mwai receive donations, visibility, and access to the highest levels of power.”

Critics argue that this dynamic risk turning the church into a political tool, rather than a space for moral accountability.

Silence on economic hardships

Interestingly, despite the public backlash, Pastor Mwai has remained silent on the controversy. Unlike other religious leaders who have spoken out on economic hardships facing the country, Mwai’s focus remains on spiritual teachings, avoiding political critique.

“That’s consistent with his style,” Joyce Wambui noted. “Non-confrontational, focused on the spiritual, and careful not to alienate political allies.”

A larger conversation

The Sh20 million donation has opened up a larger conversation about the role of the church in Kenya’s socio-political landscape. Should churches accept large donations from politicians? What is the moral responsibility of faith leaders amid public suffering? And is the prosperity gospel helping or hurting Kenyans’ collective push for economic justice?

For Pastor Mwai and Jesus Winner Ministries, these questions may not go away soon. As long as politics, religion, and wealth remain deeply intertwined in Kenya, the debate over prosperity gospel preachers and their influence will only grow louder.

As Boniface Mwangi concluded in his post: “Faith is good. Giving is good. But let’s not use God as an excuse to misplace our national priorities.