Nairobi, Kenya – July 4, 2025 — President William Ruto has broken his silence on the controversy surrounding the construction of a new church within the State House grounds, assuring the public that no taxpayer money is being used for the project.
Amid rising concerns from civil society, opposition leaders, and sections of the public, Ruto addressed the issue head-on, stating that the church is a privately funded initiative and part of his personal commitment to faith and national unity.
“A Personal Project” – Ruto Speaks Out
In his statement, President Ruto said the church is not a government-funded venture, but rather a personal endeavor fully financed from his own resources.
“The church at State House is a place of prayer and reflection. It is being constructed using my personal funds. No public money is involved, and this should not be politicized,” Ruto affirmed.
He went on to emphasize that the project is intended to foster spiritual reflection, healing, and national cohesion, not serve as a political or sectarian space.
Public Backlash and Mixed Reactions
The announcement comes after weeks of public debate over the church’s location and cost, with some media reports estimating the project at over KSh 1 billion—a figure that has further fueled concern during a time when the country is facing significant economic challenges.
-
Supporters of the president have welcomed the project as a demonstration of his faith and a call for spiritual grounding in leadership.
-
Critics, including civil rights activists and opposition politicians, argue that even if privately funded, building a church within a public institution like State House sets a troubling precedent.
-
The Atheists in Kenya Society strongly opposed the move, calling it exclusionary and considering legal options to challenge what they deem religious favoritism on public grounds.
Broader National Conversation
The church has become more than a place of worship — it has sparked a national conversation on the separation of church and state, religious inclusion, and government accountability.
Some Kenyans have questioned whether building a personal place of worship within an official state residence is appropriate, regardless of who foots the bill.
Political analyst David Makali noted,
“This isn’t about religion alone. It’s about optics, timing, and constitutional balance. The president must be seen to serve all Kenyans—regardless of faith.”
Ruto’s Faith in Focus
President Ruto, a self-declared devout Christian, has often incorporated prayer meetings, religious language, and church visits into his public and political life. The construction of a church within State House, according to his aides, is a natural extension of his leadership philosophy.
The Way Forward
While President Ruto’s statement may ease concerns for some, others remain skeptical and continue to call for greater transparency and oversight when it comes to developments on public land—even when privately funded.
Whether the State House church becomes a symbol of spiritual unity or ongoing division will largely depend on how the administration navigates the public’s expectations and constitutional boundaries in the coming weeks.
