Keypoints:
- Ruto vows to build church at State House using personal funds
- $9m project raises concerns over state-church entanglement
- Atheist group threatens legal action, citing constitutional breach
KENYAN President William Ruto has defended his decision to build a massive Christian church within the State House grounds in Nairobi, insisting he will fund the construction personally and will not apologise for his plans. The announcement has ignited sharp public debate, with critics pointing to constitutional concerns and economic hardship across the country.
‘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,’ Ruto declared on Friday during a meeting at State House, dismissing criticism from Kenyans who accuse him of blurring the line between religion and governance.
Anger grows over cost and timing
The President’s remarks came amid growing unease over what is seen as increasing entanglement between church and state. Public anger was further stoked by Daily Nation’s publication of architectural plans for the new church, a structure with a proposed capacity of 8,000, stained glass windows and elaborate interior designs. The project is estimated to cost $9 million.
At a time when many Kenyans are grappling with high inflation and joblessness, the scale of the project has sparked accusations of extravagance and tone-deaf leadership.
While President Ruto has promised to finance the church with his own money, questions remain about the legitimacy of constructing a religious building of such scale on public land. The State House, as a national institution, is not zoned for religious infrastructure of any kind.
‘I found a church at State House when I arrived, but it was made of iron sheets. Does that look befitting for the State House?’ he asked rhetorically, defending the construction as a necessary upgrade.
Legal threats and calls for transparency
The Atheists Society of Kenya has threatened to challenge the project in court, calling the church initiative ‘shocking’ and unconstitutional. Its president, Harrison Mumia, said: ‘We view this action as anti-democratic and a promotion of Christian nationalism by President Ruto. We want to remind him that Kenya does not belong to Christians only.’
Kenya’s secular constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the establishment of state religion. While approximately 85 percent of Kenyans identify as Christian, the country is also home to significant Muslim (around 11 percent), Hindu, and traditional African religious communities.
The Society argues that building a Christian megachurch on public grounds risks marginalising non-Christian groups and sets a dangerous precedent for religious favouritism in public institutions.
Adding his voice to the growing calls for caution, Nairobi Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo said the public deserves clarity on what exactly is being constructed within State House.
‘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. Unless what is being built is a chaplaincy, but that is also not clear,’ the Archbishop stated.
Longstanding ties to evangelical faith
President Ruto is Kenya’s first openly evangelical Christian leader and has carefully cultivated a pious public image throughout his career. His frequent references to scripture and emotional displays during worship have earned him both admiration and criticism—along with the nickname ‘deputy Jesus’.
Even during his time as Deputy President, Ruto constructed a chapel at his official residence in Karen, where he hosted clergy from various denominations. However, there are no mosques or temples currently located on State House grounds.
The Kenyan government has not yet issued a formal comment in response to the controversy, despite multiple media inquiries.
As debate over the church intensifies, the episode has reignited broader concerns over religious neutrality, governance priorities, and the responsibilities of elected leaders during times of national economic distress.
