Kenyan President Announces Controversial $9 Million Church Plans at State House

President William Ruto's announcement of building a large church at State House has stirred both support and opposition among Kenyans, as critics question the appropriateness of such a religious structure on government property amid rising economic struggles.

Kenya's President William Ruto is set to establish a sizable church at the State House in Nairobi, which he claims he will finance personally, costing an estimated $9 million. This rather audacious move has already incited dissatisfaction among segments of the Kenyan populace who view Ruto's close ties to the church as an inappropriate merging of religious and state affairs.

“I am not going to ask anyone for an apology for building a church. The devil might be angry and can do what he wants,” Ruto proclaimed during a recent meeting with politicians, seemingly unfazed by the criticism his plan has spurred. Although it remains ambiguous whom he referred to as "the devil," he firmly maintained that no forces will derail the project's progress.

On Friday, Kenya's Daily Nation published architectural plans showcasing a grand design featuring stained glass and a capacity for 8,000 worshippers. The publication questioned the legality of constructing such a building on state land, given Kenya's secular constitution, alongside concerns regarding the timing of the investment amid rising living costs that challenge many citizens.

While Ruto asserts that he will personally cover the project's costs, his critics argue that the very act of erecting a church on government grounds raises troubling ethical issues. The Atheists Society of Kenya has threatened legal action, branding the initiative “anti-democratic” and an endorsement of a form of Christian nationalism by President Ruto. Their head, Harrison Mumia, emphasized that Kenya must be inclusive of its diverse population, which includes significant Muslim and other faith communities.

As the nation's first evangelical Christian president, Ruto has cultivated a religious persona, often citing scripture and showing emotional displays in public settings — traits that have polarized public opinion. His history also includes building a church at his former government residence in Karen, where he often hosted interfaith dialogues.

Despite the majority of Kenyans identifying as Christian, estimated at around 85%, there exists a sizable Muslim minority of about 11%, along with followers of Hinduism and traditional African religions. Notably, there are no comparable religious structures for these groups at the presidency.

In the face of growing concerns, Nairobi’s Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo has stressed the urgency for clarity regarding the type of church being built, warning it could be perceived as favoritism towards one Christian denomination over others. “Such a structure ought to have been built in an area that is not a public institution,” he cautioned, underscoring the need for prudence in handling such sensitive matters.