William Ruto claims that opposition to his cash gifts to churches comes from people who do not believe in God

Kenyan police have clashed with protesters who tried to occupy a church that recently received a gift of 20 million shillings ($155,000) from the East African nation's president, William Ruto.

According to local media, the donation to the Jesus Winner Ministry in the Roysambu neighborhood of the capital, Nairobi, last week sparked outrage among the country's youth, who have been protesting a high cost of living since last year. Ruto also pledged an additional 100 million shillings (around $774,000) toward the religious organization's upcoming fundraising event.

On Sunday, protesters set fires and blocked roads leading to the church, prompting riot police to use tear gas canisters to disperse them, The Star newspaper reported.

The outlet cited the leader of the church, Bishop Edward Mwai, as saying that unnamed people had mobilized "thugs" to disrupt a church service. At least 38 people were reportedly arrested during the riot and released later in the evening.

READ MORE: Catholic bishops reject $40,000 gift from Kenyan president

Ruto has defended the donation, claiming it is part of efforts to address the country's deteriorating morals. He made the remarks during a service at another church - the African Inland Church (AIC) Fellowship-Annex in Eldoret - where he also reportedly offered 20 million shillings.

"Those against building the church will fail because they will not overcome us. To shame the devil, we can't stop standing with the church. I stand firm that Kenya is going to march forward, and Kenya will know God," he said, according to The Standard, a local daily.

"The pushback is from people who don't believe in God," Ruto added.

Ruto's administration has faced widespread criticism in recent months due to anger over tax hikes. Last year, dozens of Kenyans were killed in a wave of nationwide protests against a controversial finance bill that Ruto had introduced to generate $2.7 billion in revenue to pay off debt and run his government. The president later withdrew the bill, stating that his government would need to borrow more to make up for its budget deficit.

Last November, the Kenyan Catholic Church rejected a cash donation of about $40,000 from Ruto, citing "ethical concerns" and its values of integrity and independence from political interference. The Catholic Archbishop of Nairobi, Philip Anyolo, urged authorities to instead address pressing national issues, including political wrangling, overtaxation, free speech violations, and unfulfilled promises.