A megachurch project reported to cost Sh1.2 billion is underway within State House grounds, triggering fierce public debate and a legal petition seeking to stop its construction.
While critics accuse President William Ruto of misusing public resources, supporters—especially religious leaders—have defended the initiative as a spiritual investment.
On Thursday, members of the media were allowed into the State House compound, where it was revealed that two churches and a mosque currently serve staff working at the premises.
Addressing journalists on July 10, State House Chaplain Benard Njagi defended the project and said President Ruto had taken a personal interest in the spiritual welfare of State House staff. Njagi explained that the president discovered one of the deteriorating church structures during a walk and proposed building an ultra-modern facility that would serve multiple purposes beyond worship.
“One of the churches was originally erected with help from former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta in 2019 after she came across a worn-out structure during her morning run and was told it was a church,” Njagi said. “President Ruto later proposed constructing a modern building that could also accommodate community gatherings and serve bereaved families.”
- Controversy over Ruto’s Sh1.2bn State House church project
- Lawyer sues Ruto over Sh1.2bn State House church
Njagi said the new church is intended to serve the 300–400 families of employees based at State House, a number that rises to over 1,000 when children are included.
“Whenever we lose our friends or children, we gather in this hall to mourn them. The church will offer a better and more dignified space for such events,” he said.
Addressing public concerns about the cost of the project, Njagi dismissed claims that taxpayer funds were being used. He said the construction is being personally financed by the President.
“The finances are from President Ruto himself, not the government. We asked him to leave us something small to help us,” Njagi stated.
Despite these clarifications, the project has remained a lightning rod for criticism. Many Kenyans and civil society organisations have voiced their opposition, citing the alleged Sh1.2 billion price tag and questioning its priority amid economic challenges and high public debt.
President Ruto, however, has stood firm, stating that he will proceed with the project. He described reports about the cost as “baseless and exaggerated” and maintained that spiritual infrastructure should not be politicised.
Meanwhile, a petition has been filed at the High Court seeking to halt the project. The petition argues that the construction of such a facility within public grounds raises legal and ethical questions, especially if it is funded or maintained with public resources.
– By Anthony Mwangi
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
