President William Ruto has defended his decision to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House in Nairobi following concerns from members of the public.
Speaking on Friday, July 4, at State House, Ruto maintained that he has 'no apologies' over the construction, terming growing opposition against the project as 'works of satan'.
“When I was elected, we came in to find an iron sheet church in State House. I have no apologies to make for building a church at State House,” Ruto stated.
While addressing the source of funds, the Head of State dismissed claims that he would use taxpayer money to implement the project. Instead, Ruto clarified that he would use his money to construct the building.
"The construction of the Church is not costing the government a single cent. I will build the church with my own money because the church of God is something that demands respect," Ruto noted.
Ruto cited his deep-rooted Christian faith as huge motivator for him to construct the church, and dismissed criticism levelled at him over the establishment, particularly during the tough economic times.
An article by the Daily Nation first broke out the news of the construction, with further reports indicating that the church would be able to accommodate 8,000 people.
According to Nation, the design and structure of the building depicted the church adorned with crosses and tall stained-glass windows.
Further, reports disclosed the church will serve multiple purposes, including hosting national prayer services, diplomatic events, and interfaith ceremonies.
The new development sparked immense outrage, with Kenyans accusing Ruto of having misplaced priorities and being disconnected from the realities of ordinary Kenyans, who have more pressing needs than the construction of the church.
The construction of the church comes at a time when State House is undergoing renovations, funded by taxpayers money amounting to billions. According to the Controller of Budget (CoB), Ksh775 million had been spent as of September 2024 to renovate the house on the hill, out of a total budget of Ksh1.7 billion.
In the new 2025/2026 budget, State House was allocated over Ksh800 million to facilitate for its facelift and that of other State lodges across the country. Out of this, Ksh680 million is set to go for the renovation of State House Nairobi.
Budget estimates for the 2025/2026 financial year showed that out of the Ksh2.3 billion set aside for the Executive Office of the President, a significant portion would go into refurbishment and maintenance of State House Nairobi and various lodges, continuing a trend that began when President William Ruto took office in 2022.
