Kenyan leader William Ruto plans to build a church with 8,000 seats at the presidential residence. This was reported by the local newspaper Daily Nation and later confirmed by the president during his speech to regional authorities.
"Reports appeared in the newspapers on July 3 that I'm planning to build a church at the official residence of the president. It's true; I will construct a temple at the presidential palace. … I believe in God, and I have no reason to apologize. We will build a church," declared Ruto.
According to Daily Nation, the church's total capacity will be about 8,000 people, and the construction cost is estimated at 1.2 billion Kenyan shillings (9.3 million USD). The newspaper states that the funding source for the construction has not been determined; however, Ruto announced that he would finance the construction himself, and the Kenyan government won't have to contribute "a single penny."
Ruto's plans have already been criticized by religious leaders and activists. Lawyer Kibe Mungai argues that building a religious structure on the grounds of the president's residence violates Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution, which mandates the secular nature of the state and freedom of religion. The opposing Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) stated that the president should invest in developing Kenya's infrastructure instead of a church.
"While schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructures remain in dire conditions, Ruto is constructing a church worth 1.2 billion Kenyan shillings on the presidential residence grounds. Such priorities are why Kenyans support the 'Ruto Must Go' movement. Very sad," the party's statement reads.
In November 2024, the Kenyan Catholic Church declined a large donation from Ruto to avoid "politicizing aid."
Angelina Shemyakina
