President William Ruto has firmly defended the construction of a Ksh.1.2 billion church within the State House grounds in Nairobi, dismissing public criticism and asserting that the building reflects the dignity of the country’s top office.
Addressing grassroots leaders from Embu at State House on Friday, Ruto made it clear that not only is he unapologetic about the project, but he is also funding it personally.
Why Is Ruto Building a Church at State House?
“Mimi ni mtu naamini Mungu and I have no apologies to make for building a church at State House,” Ruto said to an enthusiastic crowd. “Tutajenga kanisa ya Mungu, shetani akasirike, afanye chenye anataka.”
The president explained that he found a structure already being used as a church at State House when he took office, but it was built from corrugated iron sheets. He questioned whether such a building matched the standards of State House.
“Nilikuja nikapata kanisa ya mabati. Kanisa ya mabati inatoshana na State House ata kwa maoni yenu?” he asked, drawing murmurs of disapproval from the audience.
Ruto clarified that no public funds are being used for the new construction. “Na sijengi na pesa ya serikali, najenga na pesa yangu, hapa tu… nitakuja kuwapeleka siku ingine tukaombe huko,” he added.
What Sparked the Backlash?
Public outrage followed recent media reports that the president was building an extravagant church worth Ksh.1.2 billion on public land. Critics questioned the move’s timing, pointing to the high cost of living, economic pressure on citizens, and ongoing complaints about government overspending.
Some Kenyans online argued that State House, being public property, should not host religious projects without broad consensus or transparency. The fact that the construction is happening in a time of economic austerity has fueled skepticism, even among some of the president’s previous supporters.
What Has Ruto Said About the Criticism?
Ruto remained defiant during his speech, brushing off media headlines and public debate. “I am told that in the newspapers today, someone said I’m building a church at State House. It is true mimi najenga kanisa hapa State House. Do you understand?” he told the crowd.
“I did not start a church here at State House, it was there. The only problem, ilikua ya mabati, na sasa nimeamua nijenge kanisa itatoshana na State House.”
As the debate continues nationwide, the president appears determined to proceed with the project, promising to take visitors on a prayer tour once it’s completed. Meanwhile, concerns over transparency, constitutional implications, and national spending priorities remain in the public spotlight.
By Lucky Anyanje
