Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has launched a scathing attack on members of the clergy who have publicly opposed President William Ruto’s proposal to build a Ksh1.2 billion national prayer altar at State House, accusing them of politicising religion and acting out of self-interest.
His comments come in response to growing criticism from religious figures and civil society leaders, who have raised constitutional and ethical concerns over the president’s plan, especially given the proposed use of public land and potentially public funds for a Christian worship facility in a secular state.
In a strongly worded statement shared on Sunday, July 6, 2025, on his X account, Kaluma expressed disbelief that religious leaders, particularly bishops, would object to the construction of a church anywhere in the country, let alone at a location as symbolic as State House.
“I have always known we’re in the silly political season in Kenya. But I have never imagined there would come a time when the clergy, led by bishops, would say a church should not be built anywhere in this country!” Kaluma remarked.
Kaluma dismissed these concerns and instead questioned the motives behind the clergy’s sudden opposition. He suggested the shift in tone may be linked to the cessation of benefits they previously received from the president.
“Whatever President Ruto was giving Church leaders before, which he appears to have stopped, must have been very sweet!” he said, implying that the backlash may be driven by personal or financial dissatisfaction rather than principle.
President Ruto’s plan to construct the national prayer altar at State House has triggered intense national debate, with critics warning that it could undermine Article 8 of the Constitution, which explicitly states that Kenya shall have no state religion.
However, Kaluma argued that the president is within his rights to support religious initiatives and that the backlash reflects a broader politicisation of the Church.
“We’ve reached a point where even building a church is being weaponised politically. That is not just unfortunate; it’s shameful,” Kaluma added.
Ole Sapit concerns
The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit has questioned the construction of a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House, Nairobi.
Sapit warned that the construction of the church risks violating the constitutional principle of separation between church and State.
The ACK archbishop noted that he supports the construction of places of worship but objects to the location of this particular church.
Sapit also argued that the construction of a church at the State House sends the wrong symbolic language by potentially blurring the distinction between spiritual and state authority.
“I have no problem with building a place of worship. The problem is the location. The State House is the seat of power of a human institution called the government. The Church is a sanctuary to worship God, and it is supposed to be set apart from any unholy use kingdom,” Ole Sapit said.
This comes after President Ruto defended the ongoing construction of a church at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking on Friday, July 4, 2025, the President said the project is being financed from his resources and that he owes no one an apology for it.
“I have heard people saying in the newspapers that I am building a church at the State House. It is true. I came and found a church made of iron sheets. Does such a structure meet the standards of the State House?
“I am not using government funds to build it. I am using my own money. Therefore, I did not start a church at the State House. I found it. The only problem is that it was made of iron sheets,” he said. said President Ruto.
