Why is Ruto building a church at State House?
President William Ruto has strongly defended his decision to construct a new church within the State House compound, dismissing claims that the project will cost taxpayers KSh 1.2 billion. Speaking during a Sunday service at Kigari Teachers Training College in Embu County, Ruto addressed the backlash and misinformation surrounding the project, calling it “sheer propaganda meant to mislead the public.”
“I found a chaplain already at State House when I got there. There was already a church built nearly 100 years ago, a simple iron-sheet structure,” Ruto said. “Now that I am renovating the rest of the State House, why should I leave the house of God in such a state?”
The President clarified that he would personally fund the church construction. “Let me be clear, I will build that church with my own money. It will cost very little. People should stop exaggerating figures to distract us. That propaganda will not scare me,” he stated.
What criticism has Ruto faced and how has he responded?
Ruto appeared to directly respond to recent remarks by Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit, who questioned whether the President was positioning himself as a bishop. “I heard someone asking if I want to be a bishop now,” Ruto said. “No. I am a believer. I will build the church for the over 300 workers and families at State House because they deserve a decent place to worship, not for show, not for politics.”
His remarks reflect a growing tension between the presidency and sections of the clergy, especially on matters where politics and faith intersect. Still, Ruto has remained defiant, positioning the church project as a personal act of faith rather than a political gesture.
What support did Ruto offer in Embu?
During the same service, President Ruto donated KSh 20 million toward the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Embu Diocese’s ambitious plan to build an 11-storey commercial complex, which is projected to cost KSh 387 million. “I urge all Embu residents, businesspeople, and the faithful to come together and support this noble cause. This complex will be a long-term investment for the church,” he told the congregation.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire welcomed the support, expressing optimism about community involvement. “If the President were to make a call today for Embu residents to contribute to this project, I am sure we would come out in large numbers,” she said.
The event gathered religious leaders, politicians, and hundreds of worshippers, providing the President with another platform to reinforce his message of faith-driven development in the face of political criticism.
By Lucky Anyanje
