Political analyst David Makali has castigated President William Ruto over his decision to build a church at the State House.
In a statement on July 4, 2025, Makali observed that Ruto should avoid showing his religious preferences, given that Kenya is a secular state.
“Dear President William Ruto, Kenya is a democracy and secular state, not a theocracy. Please keep religion, your religious preferences, or spiritual inclinations outside our seat of power. We must not wear our beliefs on our lips or sleeves or posture with them. Tafadhali,” Makali stated.
Ruto was moved to respond to the plans of building a mega church at the State House after a newspaper report revealed that the church is estimated to cost Ksh1.2 billion at the time of its completion.
Own money
Speaking at the State House on Friday, July 4, 2025, Ruto revealed that he will use his own money to build the church, stating that the building will not cost the government a penny.
“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,” Ruto said.
Let the devil protest
“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 equally observed that the church structure he found at the house on the hill was made from an iron sheet and did not meet the standards at the State House.
“When I came here, I found an iron-sheet structure for a church. Does that fit the stature of the State House? I am not using the government money to build the church; I am using my own money,” Ruto said.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from a section of politicians, who blame the president for not having his priorities right in the face of economic hardship faced by millions of Kenyans.
