NAIROBI, Kenya — The High Court has issued an order barring President William Ruto’s administration from constructing a permanent church within the precincts of State House, Nairobi, or any other State Lodge, pending the final determination of a petition challenging the project.
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice E.C. Mwita issued a conservatory order restraining the government and its agents “from constructing a permanent church or building associated with any religious faith within the Grounds of State House, Nairobi or any other State House or State Lodges until 18th November 2025.”
The petition was filed by Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and two other parties against the Katiba Institute and the State Law Office.
The petitioners argue that the construction of a religious facility inside State House raises fundamental constitutional concerns regarding the separation of state and religion.
Justice Mwita stated that he was convinced the case raised issues of significant constitutional importance.
“I am satisfied that the application and petition raise fundamental constitutional and legal questions touching on State and religion which require urgent investigation and further consideration by the court,” the judge said.
The court further directed that all pleadings be served to the parties immediately, with responses to the petition to be filed within seven days.
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The petitioners were then granted seven days after service to file supplementary affidavits and submissions, with the respondents and interested parties also given a similar timeline.
“The matter will be mentioned on 18th November 2025 for highlighting of submissions,” Justice Mwita ordered.
The ruling also included a penal notice warning against non-compliance.
“Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s) disobeying and not observing the same,” the notice read.
