President William Ruto has unveiled plans to construct an unlimited Christian church inside the grounds of Kenya’s presidential residence in Nairobi – a move that has drawn each praise and fierce criticism, igniting a national debate on religion’s place in the general public sphere.
The structure, in response to designs published by the Daily Nation, is ready to cost roughly $9 million (£6.5 million) and accommodate as much as 8,000 worshippers. Featuring grand stained glass windows and modern architectural flourishes, the church is poised to be one among the biggest of its kind attached to a state constructing anywhere in Africa.
Speaking at State House, the president remained unapologetic. “I’m not going to ask anyone for an apology for constructing a church. The devil is likely to be indignant and may do what he wants,” Mr Ruto declared defiantly.
President Ruto, widely known for his evangelical fervour and dubbed “deputy Jesus” by each critics and supporters, has consistently infused his political messaging with biblical references and overt religious expression. His leadership has been marked by regular prayer meetings, public tears during worship, and an open-door policy for Christian leaders.
However, this latest move – to fund and construct a large church on state property – has been seen by some as a step too far. The Atheists Society of Kenya has vowed to challenge the project in court, calling it “shocking and unacceptable”.
“We view this motion as anti-democratic and a promotion of Christian nationalism by President Ruto. Kenya doesn’t belong to Christians only,” said Harrison Mumia, the group’s president.
Although the president insists the development can be financed from his personal funds, legal experts and civil society groups are questioning the appropriateness of using public land for what many view as a non-public religious edifice. Others worry concerning the precedent this sets in a nation that constitutionally defines itself as secular.
Approximately 85% of Kenyans discover as Christian, with a major 11% following Islam and smaller communities adhering to Hinduism, traditional African faiths, and other religions. Despite this diversity, State House currently lacks any facilities for non-Christian worship, resulting in accusations of favouritism.
Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo has urged caution, saying more transparency is required. “We must be very cautious with this. Such a structure should have been in-built an area that will not be a public institution. Unless what’s being built is a chaplaincy – but that can be not clear.”
Critics argue that the project not only risks alienating non-Christian residents, but can also deepen divisions inside Christianity itself, unless the space is explicitly interdenominational. For now, the architectural plans appear to suggest a grand, singular Christian vision slightly than a shared multi-faith space.
Beyond religious concerns, many Kenyans have expressed dismay over the timing and value of the project, especially amid widespread economic hardship. The country continues to grapple with soaring living costs, youth unemployment, and rising national debt – making a $9 million religious complex on the president’s residence seem, to some, tone-deaf.
“It’s not nearly religion,” said one Nairobi resident. “It’s about priorities. We have children out of faculty, hospitals without medicine – and the president is constructing a mega-church?”
Still, Ruto has stood firm. “I didn’t start constructing this church after I entered the State House. I discovered a church but one made out of iron sheets. Does that look befitting for the State House?” he asked, defending the initiative as an upgrade to an already existing but modest place of worship.
As construction preparations are able to begin, legal challenges and public pressure could yet stall or reshape the president’s vision.
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