Muslim leaders in Mombasa called on President William Ruto to consider constructing a mosque within the State House compound in Nairobi, following his confirmation of a Sh1.2 billion church project at the same location.
The appeal comes as Ruto faces intense scrutiny over the church’s funding and its implications for Kenya’s constitutional separation of church and state.
The leaders, speaking during a press conference in Mombasa, emphasised the need for inclusivity in a multi-faith nation, arguing that a mosque would reflect equitable representation for Kenya’s Muslim population, which constitutes about 11% of the country’s 57 million people.
The call follows Ruto’s defence of the 8,000-seater church, designed by Skair Architects Limited, which he claims is privately funded to replace a “mabati” (iron-sheet) chapel he found at State House.
“If a church is being built, why not a mosque to serve Muslims who work at or visit State House?” asked a Mombasa cleric.
The leaders referenced Article 8 of Kenya’s Constitution, which prohibits the state from endorsing any religion, arguing that prioritising a Christian structure risks alienating non-Christians.
Muslim leaders in Mombasa urge President Ruto to consider constructing a mosque at State House pic.twitter.com/xvRsMc3Veg
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) July 4, 2025
They also pointed to Ruto’s 2024 meeting with Sheikh Dr Mohammed Al-Issa of the Muslim World League at State House, where he pledged support for interfaith initiatives, as evidence of his commitment to inclusivity.
The move reflects growing frustration with Ruto’s faith-driven governance. Citizens highlight the Muslim leaders’ demand as a push for fairness, with some users sarcastically questioning if Ruto would next fund temples for Hindus or traditionalists.
Critics, including the Atheists Kenya Community, have already announced plans to sue over the church project, calling it “anti-democratic” and a violation of secular principles.
The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) echoed these concerns, noting that the State House should serve all Kenyans, not just Christians.
Ruto’s history of leveraging religion, from building a chapel at his Karen residence as deputy president to donating millions to churches, has fuelled accusations of using faith for political gain ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Mombasa leaders’ request aligns with broader calls for equitable governance, especially as Kenya grapples with economic strain and protests against Ruto’s policies.
While Ruto insists the church costs taxpayers nothing, the lack of transparency and the mosque proposal intensify debates about his leadership priorities.
