- President William Ruto confirmed he was building a mega church inside State House, asserting it was a personal project funded from his own pocket
- Ruto’s bold statement came during a public event on July 4, where he dismissed criticism and declared that no public funds were involved
- In a scathing response, PLP leader Martha Karua accused Ruto of abusing state resources and reminded him that State House is public property, not a personal fiefdom
- Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution explicitly prohibits the State from adopting or endorsing any religion
CHECK OUT: Don’t let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today.
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has condemned President William Ruto’s decision to construct a massive church within the State House grounds.
Her sharp rebuke followed Ruto’s firm confirmation that a mega church is indeed under construction at the state house, bringing an end to speculation fuelled by architectural designs and satellite imagery.
During an event on Friday, July 4, Ruto didn’t hold back, declaring unapologetically that he was building a house of worship inside the presidential residence and insisted the move was in line with his faith.
PAY ATTENTION:TUKO is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger.
According to the head of state, he was using his personal funds to build the place of worship, arguing that he had found a dilapidated structure.
“Mimi ni mtu naamini mungu and I have no apologies to make. Hakuna mtu nitaomba msamaha kwa kujenga kanisa. Shetani akarisike, afanye ile anataka. I have no apologies to make. Ni kweli kanisa inajengwa hapa State House na haitagarimu mtu yeyote hata shilingi,” the president said, pushing back at mounting criticism.
How did Karua rebuke Ruto?
But the response from Karua, a long-standing advocate for constitutionalism and accountability, was swift and to the point.
Taking to her X account, the political iron-lady reminded the head of state that the state house is not personal property.
Karua further cast doubt on Ruto using his funds for the mega church, telling the president that he was out of order.
“Not your land, not your money to do as you please @WilliamsRuto completely out of order,” she wrote on X.
Karua’s remarks added to a growing chorus of concern about the president’s increasingly public integration of religion with state affairs.
Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution clearly states that there shall be no state religion.
It prohibits the government from adopting or endorsing any particular faith, ensuring that all religions are treated equally under the law.
Inside Ruto’s multi-billion church project
As earlier reported, details of the construction first emerged after Nation obtained detailed blueprints of the facility.
The building is expected to seat up to 8,000 congregants and is designed in a grand neoclassical-modern style by Skair Architects Limited.
The project, which reportedly costs an estimated KSh1.2 billion, features twin crosses on its roof, towering arched windows, and a central prayer hall that spans multiple levels.
It also includes LED-lit glass entrances, private prayer rooms, and various auxiliary spaces.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
