President William Ruto staunchly defended his decision to construct a Sh1.2 billion church within the State House compound in Nairobi, declaring he has “no apologies” for the project.
Speaking to religious and political leaders from Embu County at State House, Ruto clarified that he is personally funding the 8,000-seater cathedral-like structure, designed by Skair Architects Limited, to replace an existing “mabati” (iron-sheet) church he found upon taking office.
“Hapa State House nilikuta kanisa ya mabati… I am not using the government’s money; I am building it with my own money,” Ruto asserted.
The church, featuring twin rooftop crosses and clerestory-style windows, has sparked heated debate over Kenya’s constitutional separation of church and state, as outlined in Article 8.
Critics, including constitutional lawyer Kibe Mungai, argue that the project violates secular principles, potentially alienating Kenya’s diverse religious communities.
Ruto dismissed critics as “Satan’s work”, with the president vowing, “I will build the church even if Satan gets angry.”
Supporters, however, view the initiative as a reflection of Ruto’s evangelical Christian faith, a cornerstone of his political identity since his 2022 campaign, when he was dubbed “deputy Jesus” by opponents.
President Ruto says he has no apologies for building a church at State House, claiming he found a mabati structure and is using his own money for the new one. https://t.co/0DZrn7kLoD pic.twitter.com/VbGqKSF3dU
— Moe (@moneyacademyKE) July 4, 2025
Ruto’s claim that the project uses his personal funds addresses concerns about taxpayer money, but doubts persist.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru accused Ruto of “defrauding Kenyans” with misplaced priorities, citing underfunded schools and hospitals, while Canada-based lawyer Miguna Miguna called for halting the construction, labelling it “primitive plunder”.
The controversy follows Ruto’s history of church-related initiatives, including a chapel built at his Karen residence as Deputy President and a National Prayer Altar at the Deputy President’s residence.
His recent donations, such as Sh20 million to Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, have drawn criticism, with the Catholic Church rejecting a $40,000 donation in November 2024 over ethical concerns.
