Ruto maintains his plans to build a church at State House

President William Ruto speaks during a church service at State House./PCS

President William Ruto has reiterated his intention to build a larger and more permanent place of worship within the State House, Nairobi, even as the project faces a court battle and criticism.

 Speaking during a Sunday service at the State House Chapel, Ruto said he was determined to enhance worship facilities for those living and working within the compound.

 “Here at State House, God will bless us to get a better place for worship. We will not have some people worshipping from outside since we will have a bigger place,” he said.

 The President added, “I am confident that God will make provisions for us to have a place where we can worship Him in this compound.”

 The President praised those managing the current chapel, noting their role in sustaining regular services.

 He also linked God’s blessings to recent rainfall and improved harvests, urging Kenyans to work hard in their respective duties.

 The plan to put up a church has hit a legal roadblock.

High Court Judge E C Mwita has issued a conservatory order stopping the government from constructing a permanent church—or any religious facility—within State House or any other State Lodge.

 The suspension will remain in place until November 18, 2025, when a constitutional petition filed by civil society groups will be heard.

 Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and two other petitioners argue that the project violates the constitutional principle of separating state and religion.

 They contend that putting up a church within the State House blurs the line between public authority and private faith, undermining Kenya’s constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.

 Ruto has previously faced criticism over the project, especially after reports in July suggested the sanctuary would cost Sh1.2 billion and seat 8,000 people. Opponents called it wasteful at a time of economic hardship.

 The President dismissed the Sh1.2 billion figure, insisting the facility would cost about Sh300 million and accommodate 300 worshippers.

 “I didn’t start the church at State House, it was already there. But it is not right for me to live in a good place while the church is made of mabati (tin),” Ruto said during a service in Embu.

 The State House later released images of the current chapel, a modest tin structure, to bolster the President’s case for expansion.

 Despite legal challenges and public criticism, Ruto has consistently defended the plan, framing it as an affirmation of Kenya’s values as a God-fearing nation rather than an act of extravagance.