Inside Ruto’s Sh1.2bn Church project at State House

By Newsflash Writer

President William Ruto is discreetly supervising the construction of a grand church within the State House grounds in Nairobi—an initiative that has sparked constitutional concerns over the principle of separation between church and State.

Detailed architectural blueprints of the impressive sanctuary reveal a structure projected to seat 8,000 congregants and cost approximately Sh1.2 billion. It remains unclear whether public funds will foot the bill.

Designed by Skair Architects Limited, the cathedral-like edifice features two prominent rooftop crosses and tall, narrow clerestory-style windows along its central structure.

Repeated queries to State House about the ongoing project—currently taking shape near the presidential helipads as seen in recent satellite images—have gone unanswered. Questions linger over the building’s cost, constitutional basis, and purpose.

Symbol of faith?

President Ruto has previously voiced his desire to build a church as an expression of his Christian beliefs. As Deputy President, he constructed a chapel at his official, publicly funded Karen residence, where he frequently hosted clergy during his 2022 presidential campaign. That move attracted criticism from some leaders who accused him of violating the Constitution.

At the time, Ruto dismissed the backlash and pledged to build a larger church if elected. “We built one at the Hustlers’ Mansion, but we had challenges. I believe we will not build like the one we built at the mansion; we will build a bigger one so that this country can continue recognising the presence of God,” he said during a church event in Juja on July 17, 2022.

While the President has yet to formally acknowledge the ongoing construction, he made a veiled reference to it earlier this year during a church service in Nairobi. “There is a special field that I am working on, specifically meant for people who pray, those who preach,” he said on January 11 at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North. “I want you (the clergy) to come and bless that field once it is ready. I will invite you so that we can talk.”

When contacted, the lead architect initially denied involvement. However, upon being shown building images and blueprints, he questioned the assumption that the project was located at State House. He later responded angrily and ceased further communication.

A structure of contention

The church design adopts a monumental neoclassical-modern blend, with large double columns at the main entrance and broad arched windows. A towering central spire topped with a cross emphasizes the structure’s religious function and makes it highly visible. Crosses feature prominently on both the front and rear facades.

The interior includes four seating blocks accommodating 8,000 worshippers, with various access points, corridors, toilets, and storage spaces for crowd management. Two prayer rooms flank each side of the sanctuary, with additional office and washroom facilities.

The vertical layout comprises a ground sanctuary level and two upper galleries arranged amphitheatre-style to maximize pulpit visibility. The church also contains four private prayer rooms and a spacious family room. A nighttime view reveals LED-lit entry points and a large glass doorway.

Given Kenya’s constitutional mandate for a clear separation of religion and government, the erection of a religious structure at the centre of political power raises critical questions about Ruto’s governance approach and faith integration.

Political analysts argue the project reflects the President’s theological politics—bold, strategic, and divisive. Article 8 of the Constitution prohibits the State from endorsing any religion, including through symbolic acts. Public offices like the presidency must refrain from showing favouritism to any faith.

Constitutional lawyers maintain that the construction violates Article 8 and undermines the secular role of the presidency. He adds that under Article 131 (1)(e), the President is also bound to safeguard national unity—something the church’s presence may compromise in a multi-faith country.

So far, its unclear which specific budget allocation is financing the construction. Documents submitted to Parliament show significant funds earmarked for refurbishments of State House and other presidential lodges nationwide.