Ruto Faces Lawsuit Over Plans To Build Ksh1.2B Church At State House

The  Atheists In Kenya Society (AIKS) has vowed to sue President William Ruto over covert plans to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House, Nairobi.

AIKS President Harrison Mumia issued a statement on Friday, July 4, hours after reports emerged of the planned construction. 

"It is both shocking and unacceptable that President William Ruto is covertly constructing a Church on the premises of State House in Nairobi," Mumia stated in part.

"The Atheists In Kenya Society views this action as anti-democratic and a promotion of Christian nationalism by President Ruto. We want to remind the President that Kenya does not belong to Christians only."

Mumia argued that at its core, the construction of a Church at the State House threatens the principle of the separation of church and state and undermines Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution.

In response, Mumia directed that "We have directed our lawyers to immediately initiate legal action to halt this egregious misuse of taxpayer funds."

Mumia's comments corroborate those of Mumias East Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Salasya, who wrote, "Mr. President, Kenya is a secular republic. Article 8 of our Constitution spells it out: ‘There shall be no state religion. ' You are not just the leader of Christians. You are also the president of Muslims, Hindus, traditionalists, atheists, and every other belief system in this country."

Salasya’s remarks were echoed by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who also slammed the president, accusing him of fleecing Kenyans through endless construction projects, from renovating State House to putting up the new church.

“Kenya bleeds, but you chose to turn the statehouse into an active construction site. Talk of an administration with misplaced priorities! From endless statehouse renovations to now constructing a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House. Is it because nothing says “servant leadership” like praying in marble while the poor dig graves with bare hands,” the lawyer continued.

Canada-based lawyer Miguna Miguna also weighed in, demanding immediate action to halt what he described as Ruto’s “primitive plunder, abuse of office, and barbarism.”

State House has yet to officially address either the reports or the public criticism surrounding the proposed construction at the time of publishing this story. 

Reports indicate that the church is intended to serve various functions, including national prayer gatherings, diplomatic events, and interfaith ceremonies.