President William Ruto has strongly dismissed reports circulating online that the church being built within State House is a billion-shilling project, urging Kenyans to stop spreading propaganda and to respect the sanctity of the House of God.
Speaking when he attended a church service at the ACK Diocese of Embu on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Ruto expressed frustration over what he termed as malicious attempts to politicise the construction of the new State House church, which he clarified is intended to serve the spiritual needs of families residing within the compound, as well as their children who attend Sunday school.
“May the devil be defeated. Now this bishop has shown me a church building they are currently constructing. It has several floors—more than I can even count. The bishop has informed me that the entire project will cost three hundred and fifty million shillings,” Ruto said.
He went on to pose a rhetorical question, challenging the logic behind claims that the modest State House chapel, meant to accommodate only three hundred people, would cost over one billion shillings.
He said that the continued spread of such narratives suggests that some individuals are harbouring resentment and are speaking out of spite rather than from sincere concern over the matter.
“Now let me ask you—can a church that seats only three hundred people possibly cost one billion? Let us stop spreading propaganda, cheap talk, and hatred. Why are some people so bitter about a church built for the worship of God?” he asked.
Upgrading it
President Ruto stated that the church being built within State House is not his personal initiative but one that he found already in existence when he assumed office.
He noted that his only decision was to upgrade the structure from a makeshift iron-sheet building to a proper stone church, just like those many congregations have across the country.
“That church was already there. I am not the one who started it. The only thing I have said is that instead of the State House chapel being made of iron sheets, let us build one made of stone, just like the ones you all have,” he explained.
He urged those criticising the project to stop stirring up unnecessary hostility and reminded them to show reverence for spiritual matters.
“So to those who are pushing all this tension and mockery, I humbly ask you—let us honour the word of God,” he added.
