(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.)
Muslims/FILE
President William Ruto is now under pressure from Muslim leaders to promote religious inclusivity at State House by setting up a mosque after he confirmed he is personally building a church.
The leaders argue that while they recognise and appreciate the President's open support for religious institutions across the country, State House, as the official residence of the Head of State, should also reflect the country’s religious diversity.
"Tunajua hii nchi yetu inaheshimu kila dini na rais aliyeko mamlakani hatujaona kuwa ana vita na Waislamu," said one of the leaders who addressed the press in Mombasa.
Loosely translates to, "We know that our country respects every religion, and we have not seen the current president showing any hostility towards Muslims."
"Tumeshuhudia akiwa sehemu tofauti tofauti akitoa michango kujenga madrasa na misikiti. Tuna imani hana chuki na dini yetu ya Uislamu."
(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.)
They said that since the State House serves all Kenyans regardless of their religious beliefs, it is only fair that space be allocated for Muslim faithful as well.
"Maadamu State House ni mahali inayobeba watu wa dini zote, kama ilivyopatikana jengo la Wakristo ama kanisa, nasi pia tunaomba ipatikane jengo la Waislamu ili tukifika sehemu kama hiyo tupate sehemu ya kuswali," he added.
The calls by the leaders follow remarks by President William Ruto when he hosted Friday Embu leaders at State House, Nairobi.
Addressing a media report, Ruto confirmed he is putting a church and that public money was not being spent.
"Sijengi na pesa ya serikali, mimi najenga na pesa yangu. Mimi ni mtu naamini Mungu, na sina msamaha wa kuomba kwa kujenga kanisa," he said
He explained that when he came to the State House, he found a makeshift iron-sheet church.
"Do you think an iron-sheet church matches the stature of State House, even in your own opinion?" he posed.
"Nimeamua nijenge kanisa inatoshana na State House na haitagarimu, serikali ya Kenya peni moja. Nitajenga kwa sababu kanisa ya Mungu ni pahali inatoshana heshima."
