In a statement on X Saturday, Njiru emphasised that the
Constitution clearly prohibits the establishment of any state religion.
“If you choose to build a Church, then you must equally build a Mosque, a Hindu temple and our African traditional shrines. Otherwise, we
are heading to court,” he said.
He went on to quote Article 8 of the Constitution, which states, “There shall be no State religion”.
The article safeguards religious freedom and equality for all citizens
by preventing the government from establishing a state-sponsored
religion.
Njiru added that government involvement in building
religious institutions must be equitable and inclusive.
“Mr President, there is a reason why the Constitution provided
that there shall be no state religion,” Njiru said.
Njiru’s remarks come amid growing public debate on the role of religion in state affairs.
People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua said: "Not your land, not your money to do as you please. Completely out of order".
On Friday evening, Ruto confirmed that he was building a church
at State House, affirming that it was being financed from his resources and
that he owes no one an apology for it.
Speaking while hosting leaders from Embu County, led by
Governor Cecily Mbarire, the President affirmed his personal commitment to
faith and dismissed criticism surrounding the initiative.
"Mimi ni mtu naamini kwa Mungu, and I have no apologies
to make. Kwa kujenga kanisa, I have no apology, na hakuna mtu nitaomba
msamaha," Ruto said.
He confirmed that the church is indeed being built within
the State House compound and acknowledged that the development had attracted
media attention.
Ruto maintained that building a place of worship within the
official presidential residence is both a personal choice and an expression of
his beliefs.
The church construction at State House continues as part of what insiders describe as the President’s long-held desire to have a dedicated place of worship on the grounds.
