Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has strongly criticised President William Ruto over the controversial construction of a Ksh1.2 billion church within the State House compound, accusing the Head of State of using public land for personal religious purposes.
In a post shared on Saturday, July 5,2025 through his X account, the senator a close raised five key questions challenging the legality and constitutionality of the project, while calling for urgent public scrutiny and parliamentary intervention.
“What happens if Kenya one day has a Muslim, Buddhist, or atheist president?” Karungo posed, igniting a wave of online debate. “We must urgently seek answers to these critical questions.”
Among the concerns raised were whether an individual can build their own church on public land without county approval or public participation, and whether the construction of a private religious building using personal funds on protected government property is legally sound.
Karungo also questioned if the project violates the constitutional principle of separation between church and state, warning it could amount to a conflict of interest. He further argued that such use of State House land should undergo a transparent process, including parliamentary approval or a public tender.
The senator’s statement comes just a day after Ruto defended the project during an address at State House, saying the construction would not cost taxpayers a cent. “I have no apologies to make for building a church at State House,” Ruto said, attributing the decision to his Christian faith.
However, the backlash has continued to mount, especially as reports indicate the new church will accommodate 8,000 people and be used for national prayer services, diplomatic meetings, and interfaith events.
Critics argue that constructing a religious facility at the heart of government sets a troubling precedent and diverts attention from pressing national issues like unemployment and the high cost of living.
