NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto’s administration is currently facing intense public backlash following reports of a proposed 8,000-seater church within the State House compound, estimated to cost Ksh 1.2 billion.
A Daily Nation report on Friday revealed detailed plans for the structure, indicating a full-scale religious facility featuring large stained-glass windows and prominent crosses.
While it remains unclear if the entire cost will be shouldered by taxpayers, the revelation has ignited widespread criticism from Kenyans and political leaders, who are questioning the government’s priorities amidst a biting economic crisis.
The development has sparked a heated debate both online and offline, with many Kenyans expressing profound concern over the necessity of such a costly project. This concern is particularly acute given the country’s current economic struggles, rising unemployment rates, and chronic underfunding of essential public services.
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya was among the first political figures to openly criticize the President, issuing a strongly worded statement.
“Mr. President, Kenya is a secular republic. Article 8 of our Constitution spells it out: ‘There shall be no state religion.’ You are not just the leader of Christians. You are also the President of Muslims, Hindus, traditionalists, atheists, and every other belief system in this country,” Salasya wrote.
Salasya further accused the President of being detached from the suffering of ordinary citizens and of potentially using religion as a facade for governance shortcomings. “What I see today under your leadership is a government that uses religion to hide behind accountability,” he asserted.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru echoed Salasya’s sentiments, arguing that the construction project reflects a serious misalignment of priorities by the current administration.
“Kenya bleeds, but you chose to turn the statehouse into an active construction site. Talk of an administration with misplaced priorities! From endless statehouse renovations to now constructing a Ksh 1.2 billion church in State House. Is it because nothing says ‘servant leadership’ like praying in marble while the poor dig graves with bare hands,” Njiru stated.
Exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna also condemned the plan, calling for immediate action to halt what he termed “primitive plunder, misuse of office and barbarism.”
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Despite the significant public uproar, State House has yet to issue an official statement addressing the matter or responding to the burgeoning criticism.
Online reactions have been equally sharp, with numerous Kenyans questioning the rationale behind allocating over a billion shillings to a church rather than addressing urgent societal issues such as healthcare, education, and youth unemployment.
Others have cited concerns regarding the fundamental principle of separation of religion and state, referencing Article 8 of the Constitution, which unequivocally affirms Kenya’s lack of a state religion.
The proposed church is reportedly intended to serve as a venue for national prayer events, interfaith ceremonies, and diplomatic gatherings.
However, this explanation has done little to assuage the anger and disbelief expressed by segments of the public.
