President William Ruto has fiercely defended the ongoing Ksh1.2 billion church construction at State House Nairobi, asserting that the place of worship must reflect the dignity and honor of the presidency.
Addressing grassroots leaders from Embu on Friday, the Head of State dismissed public outcry over the cost of the project, stating emphatically that he is personally financing the upgrade — not the government.
“Mimi ni mtu naamini Mungu and I have no apologies to make for building a church at State House,” Ruto declared, sparking applause from the crowd. “Tutajenga kanisa ya Mungu, shetani akasirike, afanye chenye anataka.”
The president emphasized that the church was already in place when he took office but was in a dilapidated state.
“Nilikuja nikapata kanisa ya mabati. Kanisa ya mabati inatoshana na State House ata kwa maoni yenu?” he posed rhetorically.
“Sijengi na pesa ya serikali, najenga na pesa yangu… nitakuja kuwapeleka siku ingine tukaombe huko.”
President Ruto’s remarks follow widespread debate triggered by media reports claiming that the church’s construction would cost Ksh1.2 billion, a figure that has raised eyebrows among Kenyans grappling with high living costs and economic austerity.
Opposition leaders and civil society activists have criticized the project, calling the expenditure unnecessary and tone-deaf, especially amid a ballooning public wage bill and frequent tax hikes.
However, Ruto was unwavering in his response, maintaining that no taxpayer funds are being used.
“I’m building a church at State House. Do you understand?” the president affirmed, brushing off headlines questioning the legitimacy of the project.
Ruto’s unapologetic stance is consistent with his reputation as a devout Christian leader who frequently incorporates religion into state affairs. During his presidency, he has often turned official platforms into spaces for prayer and worship — a practice that has drawn both admiration and criticism.
“I did not start a church here at State House, it was there. The only problem, ilikua ya mabati, na sasa nimeamua nijenge kanisa itatoshana na State House,” he explained.
