Ruto Defends Ksh1.2B Church at State House, Says Funds Are Personal: “No Apologies to Make”
President William Ruto has come out strongly to defend the controversial Ksh1.2 billion church construction at State House, Nairobi. Speaking on Friday, July 4, the Head of State said he has “no apologies to make” for building a church, even as Kenyans continue to raise concerns about government priorities.
“When I was elected, we came in to find an iron sheet church in State House. I have no apologies to make for building a church at State House,” Ruto said defiantly.
The announcement stirred national outrage, especially given the ongoing harsh economic conditions. Despite this, Ruto insisted the project is fully funded from his personal resources and not from the public coffers.
“The construction of the church is not costing the government a single cent. I will build the church with my own money because the church of God is something that demands respect,” he added.
The President cited his deep Christian faith as the driving force behind the initiative. He labelled critics of the project as enemies of faith.
“Some of these voices you hear are works of satan. The church must stand,” Ruto told those present.
The Daily Nation first reported the planned construction, revealing that the church will host 8,000 people. Reports indicate it will feature stained-glass windows, tall spires, and crosses. The church will also double up as a venue for diplomatic functions, interfaith prayers, and national services.
Still, public reactions have been fierce. Many Kenyans argue the funds could be better used on urgent public needs such as health, education, and hunger relief.
“The President is disconnected from what ordinary citizens are going through,” a resident in Nairobi told a local station.
What is even more controversial is the timing. The news comes amid an ongoing taxpayer-funded renovation of State House costing billions. The Controller of Budget revealed that by September 2024, Ksh775 million had already been spent. The total allocation for the renovation is Ksh1.7 billion.
In the 2025/2026 financial year, the State House received another Ksh800 million for further facelift activities. Out of this, Ksh680 million will be used to refurbish the Nairobi residence alone. In total, Ksh2.3 billion has been earmarked for the Executive Office of the President, most of it going into continued renovation and maintenance works.
Despite public uproar, Ruto remains unwavering, putting religion at the centre of governance.
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Ruto Defends Ksh1.2B Church at State House, Says Funds Are Personal: “No Apologies to Make”
