A section of Muslim leaders from Mombasa has expressed support for President William Ruto’s controversial plan to build a Ksh1.2 billion interdenominational church within the State House grounds.
At the same time, they are appealing to the president to consider establishing a mosque at the same location as a symbol of religious inclusivity.
Speaking on Friday, July 4, 2025, led by Sheikh Abu Qatada, the Muslim clerics in Mombasa asked the head of state to consider setting up a mosque for faithful Muslims to worship when visiting State House.
“This is not about division; it is about inclusion. If State House is to reflect the diversity of Kenya’s faiths, then a mosque should also be considered,” said Sheikh Qatada.
Further, they defended the president against critics who argue the church project violates Kenya’s secular Constitution. He praised Ruto’s track record on religious tolerance and his ongoing support for Islamic institutions and communities.
“We must be honest and fair. This president has shown goodwill to the Muslim community. He has helped construct madrassas, backed Islamic events, and appointed Muslims to senior positions in government,” Sheikh Qatada said. “So if he chooses to fulfil a vow he made to God by building a church, and he’s doing it with his own money, we should respect that.”
State House Mosque
President Ruto recently reaffirmed his commitment to building a multi-faith prayer centre at State House, stating that it was a personal promise he made during the 2022 elections and that the project would be funded from his resources, not public funds.
“It is not public money. It’s my money. I made a promise to God, and I am keeping it,” the president said during a public address on Friday.
Despite legal and civic criticism that the project blurs the line between church and state, Sheikh Qatada urged the public to consider the broader spiritual context.
“Places of worship are often near centres of leadership. Even Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ruled from Medina and maintained a space for prayer close to his seat of power. We should not be quick to condemn,” he said.
The Muslim leaders’ call for a mosque at State House is framed not as a challenge to the church project, but as an appeal for equal religious representation in one of the country’s most powerful institutions.
He added, however, that support for the president’s religious initiative does not mean unconditional approval of all government actions.
“We still expect transparency, especially when it comes to public resources. But when it comes to matters of personal faith, let the president worship in peace,” he asserted.
