Ruto defends move to build mega church at State House

By Newsflash Writer

President William Ruto has staunchly defended his decision to construct a Sh1.2 billion mega church at State House, Nairobi, amid rising public concern over the project’s cost and timing.

Speaking on Friday, 4 July, at State House during a meeting with a delegation of leaders from Embu County, Ruto confirmed reports that he was spearheading the construction of a large-capacity church within the official presidential residence.

According to sources familiar with the project, the church will have a seating capacity of 8,000 people, making it one of the largest religious structures on government property.

The President’s confirmation followed growing speculation and criticism from various quarters questioning the rationale behind erecting such a structure at a time when the country is facing a cash crunch in key sectors like education, healthcare, and devolution.

But Ruto remained unbothered, insisting that his decision is rooted in his personal faith and does not involve the use of taxpayer money.

President William Ruto with grassroot leaders from Embu County on Friday, 4 July, 2025 at State House, Nairobi. Photo/PCS

“I am a person who believes in God. And I have no apologies to make for constructing a church. I will not apologise to anyone. We shall build the church of God, whether Satan gets angry or not. He [Satan] can do whatever he wants,” Ruto said.

“It will not cost the Kenyan government a penny”

The Head of State reiterated that the funds for the project were coming from his own resources and not public coffers, dismissing reports that government funds were being diverted to build the facility.

“I am being told today that in the newspapers, there is a person saying that I am building a church at State House. It’s true, I am building a church here at State House. When I assumed power, I found a church built with iron sheets. In your opinion, is an iron sheet church comparable to State House?” he posed.

Ruto emphasized that the existing structure, which he said he found upon taking office, was substandard and needed to be upgraded to match the status of State House.

“I have not started a church at State House, but I found it. The only problem was that it was an iron sheet church. Now, I have decided to build a church equal in size with State House, and it will not cost the Kenyan government any penny,” he stated.

“I will build with my own money because the church of God is a respectable place,” he added.

Ruto also invited his guests to visit the site, saying, “I will take you there so that we can go and pray,” he said.