Top Story: President Ruto Defends Plans to Build $9M Church at State House, Sparks National Debate
Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced plans to build a large church at the presidential residence in Nairobi, a move that has ignited a fierce public debate over the intersection of religion, politics, and the use of public property.
Speaking at a political gathering on Friday, President Ruto declared he would personally fund the construction of the new sanctuary at State House, dismissing criticism and asserting his right to do so.
“I am not going to ask anyone for an apology for building a church. The devil might be angry and can do what he wants,” said a defiant Ruto, sparking further controversy with the remarks.
It remains unclear whom the president was referring to as “the devil,” but his comments have provoked backlash from many Kenyans already disillusioned with what they perceive as an increasingly blurred line between church and state under his leadership.
The Daily Nation, one of Kenya’s leading newspapers, published what it claims are architectural plans for the new building — a stained-glass structure with an estimated capacity of 8,000 worshippers. The reported cost: approximately $9 million (KSh 1.2 billion).
Ruto insisted he found an existing church on the property when he assumed office, albeit one “made out of iron sheets,” which he deemed unfit for the presidential grounds.
“Does that look befitting for State House?” he asked. “I did not start building this church when I entered State House.”
However, critics argue that even if the funds come from Ruto’s personal finances, constructing a massive religious structure on public land raises serious legal and constitutional questions in a secular nation.
The Atheists Society of Kenya has threatened legal action, calling the initiative a form of Christian nationalism.
“Kenya does not belong to Christians only,” said Harrison Mumia, president of the group. “This move is anti-democratic and shocking.”
Kenya’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and defines the state as secular. While Christians make up around 85% of the population, the country also has significant Muslim, Hindu, and traditional religious communities.
Nairobi’s Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo called for clarity, warning that the church could be seen as favoring one denomination over others.
“We have to be very cautious with this. Such a structure ought to have been built in an area that is not a public institution,” he said. “Unless what is being built is a chaplaincy — but that’s still unclear.”
President Ruto, Kenya’s first openly evangelical Christian head of state, has long embraced public displays of faith. During his tenure as deputy president, he built a church at his official residence in Karen and regularly hosted religious leaders.
Despite the backlash, Ruto has made it clear: the State House church will be built — and nothing, he says, will stop it.
