Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has taken a swipe at calls from Muslim leaders for a mosque to be built at State House, following President William Ruto’s announcement of a Ksh1.2 billion church project at the residence.
Taking to her X account on Saturday, July 5, 2025, Njeri appeared to dismiss the concerns raised by some Muslim leaders who had asked for religious inclusivity at State House.
“Well, as is within their rights, the Muslim community has requested William Samoei Ruto to build a mosque too. I wonder if the Freemasonry people will also be making similar requests,” she wrote.
Njeri’s remarks follow demands by Muslim leaders urging President Ruto to consider building a mosque at State House. They argued that since the residence represents all Kenyans, it should reflect the country’s religious diversity.
“We know that our country respects every religion, and we have not seen the current president showing any hostility towards Muslims,” one of the leaders said.
“We have witnessed him in various places contributing to the construction of madrasas and mosques. We believe he holds no hatred toward our Islamic faith. Since the State House is a place that represents people of all religions, just as a church has been established for Christians, we are also requesting that a place of worship be set up for Muslims so that when we visit such a place, we have somewhere to pray,” the leader added.
State House church
On Friday, July 4, President Ruto defended the project and made it clear that he would not apologise for it. Addressing critics, he stood firm in his position to build the new church.
“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,” he said.
The president also took a swipe at those opposing the initiative.
“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.”
According to Ruto, the current chapel at State House is a makeshift iron-sheet structure, which he believes is not fitting for a place of national significance.
