Ruto Criticised Over Plans to Construct Ksh1.2 Billion Church at State House
President William Ruto has sparked widespread criticism following reports that his administration is planning to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church within State House premises.
According to the Daily Nation, the proposed church is designed to accommodate up to 8,000 worshippers and will feature traditional Christian architecture, including crosses and stained-glass windows. The publication, however, could not confirm whether the entire cost will be covered by taxpayer money.
News of the project broke on Friday morning, prompting an immediate and vocal backlash from citizens and political leaders who condemned it as an example of misplaced priorities amid ongoing economic challenges facing the country.
Leading the opposition was Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, who published an open letter criticizing the president’s plan. “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,” he wrote.
Salasya accused the president of using religion to shield his administration from scrutiny and failing to address urgent national issues.
His sentiments were echoed by prominent lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who lambasted the government for what he described as rampant extravagance. “Kenya bleeds, but you chose to turn the State House into an active construction site. From endless renovations to now constructing a Ksh1.2 billion church. Is it because nothing says ‘servant leadership’ like praying in marble while the poor dig graves with bare hands?” Njiru posed.
Canada-based constitutional lawyer Miguna Miguna also weighed in, branding the move as “primitive plunder, misuse of office, and barbarism.” He called for public resistance against the proposed construction.
The government has yet to officially respond to the backlash or confirm whether public funds will be used in the project. However, sources indicate that the church will serve multiple roles, including hosting national prayer events, diplomatic receptions, and interfaith ceremonies.
The proposed construction has ignited debate over the appropriate balance between religion and governance in a secular republic, with critics arguing that spiritual affairs should not override economic or constitutional obligations.
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Ruto Criticised Over Plans to Construct Ksh1.2 Billion Church at State House