Ruto insists on building church at State House, Nairobi

President William Ruto speaking during a Sunday service at the State House Chapel, Nairobi/SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto has reiterated his intention to construct a larger and more permanent place of worship within State House, Nairobi.

Speaking during a Sunday service at the State House Chapel, the President emphasised his commitment to enhancing worship facilities for those within the State House compound.

"Here at State House, God will bless us to get a better place for worship. We will not have some people worshipping from outside since we will have a bigger place," said Ruto.

"I am confident that God will make provisions for us to have a place where we can worship Him in this compound."

The President expressed gratitude to those managing the current chapel, applauding their efforts in facilitating regular worship services.

“We are very happy that we have a place to worship here at State House,” he said, adding that he believed God's blessings were evident in the country’s recent rainfall and improved agricultural yields.

“All I ask from all of you is to work hard in whatever you do,” the President told the congregation.

However, the push for a permanent church at State House has hit a legal roadblock.

High Court Judge E.C. Mwita has issued a conservatory order barring the government from proceeding with any construction of a permanent church—or any religious structure—within the grounds of State House or any other State Lodge.

The order is in place until November 18, 2025, pending the outcome of a constitutional petition challenging the move.

Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and two other petitioners brought the case before the court.

The suit, filed against the Katiba Institute and the State Law Office, raises critical concerns about the constitutional principle of the separation of State and religion.

The petitioners argue that constructing a religious facility on public grounds, particularly within State House, blurs the line between government functions and religious practice, potentially undermining Kenya's constitutional commitment to religious neutrality.