Friday, July 4, 2025 - President William Ruto has defended his decision to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking at State House on Friday, July 4th, Ruto
dismissed the backlash, describing the opposition as "works of
Satan."
“When I was elected, we came in to find an iron sheet church
in State House. I have no apologies to make for building a church at State
House,” Ruto asserted.
The President clarified that the project will not be funded
by taxpayers, stating that he will personally finance the construction.
“The church is not costing the Government a single cent.”
“I will build it with my own money because the house of God
deserves respect,” he said.
The church, reportedly designed to accommodate up to 8,000
worshippers, will feature stained-glass windows, crosses, and host national
prayers, interfaith ceremonies, and diplomatic events.
Initial details of the project were revealed by Daily Nation, sparking widespread
outrage among Kenyans, many of whom questioned the project’s timing amid
economic hardship.
Critics have accused the President of prioritizing religious
symbolism over critical national issues such as unemployment and healthcare.
This comes as State House undergoes extensive
taxpayer-funded renovations.
As of September 2024, Ksh775 million had been spent out of a
Ksh1.7 billion allocation. The 2025/2026 budget sets aside over Ksh800 million
for further State House and lodge refurbishments, with Ksh680 million earmarked
for State House, Nairobi, alone.
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