Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has weighed in on President William Ruto’s decision to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House, terming it a tragic drama.
Speaking at the burial service of Rigathi Gachagua’s maternal aunt Glady Gathoni on Saturday, July 5, 2025, Kalonzo said that development is unconstitutional and a departure by the president from abiding by the country’s constitution, which he swore to uphold.
Uphold the constitution
“I want to tell Ruto that even when the British colonisers, who were believers in the Church of England, did not go to the state house, the governor’s office to build a church. You have to recognise our constitution. It behoves you to uphold the constitution you vowed to uphold as the highest holder of the office in the land,” he stated.
According to the former VP, Ruto never consulted the Kenyan public, thus infringing on the constitution of Kenya.
You cannot assign yourself the responsibility of building a church inside the state house without asking for the Kenyan public’s participation. This is a tragic drama, and it has to stop. We are telling the president it has to stop,” he stated.
“For example, if you are using your own money and Kenyans know your salary is about 1.4 million, how many months will you take using your whole salary to build a church in State House? We must call this out,” he stated.
Kalonzo’s remarks come after Ruto’s economic adviser, David Ndii, defended the development.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, July 5, 2025, Ndii said the project was justified. He explained that the church would serve the many government employees and their families who reside within the State House grounds.
“The church serves the 1,000+ government staff and their families who live in the State House. The religion of the president is irrelevant; the staff will remain predominantly Christian, whatever the religion of future presidents,” Ndii stated.
Ndii’s comments came a day after President Ruto himself spoke out in defence of the project. While addressing a gathering on Friday, July 4, Ruto made it clear that he would not apologise for his decision to construct the church, despite the backlash.
“I am one person who believes in God, and I have no apologies to make for constructing a church. Do you understand me? I am not going to be sorry to anyone for building a church. We shall build the church of God,” the president said firmly.
Adding;
“Let the devil protest the decision and do that which he pleases. I am told that the papers are saying that I am building a church here at the State House. It is indeed true; I am building a church here at the State House.”
Ruto also pointed out that the existing chapel, made of iron sheets, did not reflect the dignity and status of the State House. He argued that a proper church building was needed to match the standards expected of such a national institution.
