NAIROBI – Dennis Itumbi has called on Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit to recognize and accept the traditional role of State House spiritual advisor, saying the position is historically his by default.
In a message posted on his official X account, Itumbi said it was unnecessary for Archbishop Sapit to publicly question the spiritual leadership at State House, arguing that the Anglican Church already holds that position by history and physical proximity.
“It’s surprising that the Anglican Archbishop would publicly pose the question of who should serve as the State House Bishop,” Itumbi wrote. “By tradition, geography, and divine proximity, you already are.”
Archbishop Sapit had earlier expressed concern over the close physical and symbolic association between the Anglican Church and the country’s executive leadership. He questioned whether this blurred the constitutional line separating state functions from religious authority.
In response, Itumbi pointed to colonial planning, stating that when British administrators built State House in Nairobi, they also created a neighboring residence Archbishopbourne for the spiritual guidance of Kenya’s colonial Governor and, later, the President. He said the house still serves as the Archbishop’s residence and includes a chapel meant to offer counsel to the Head of State.
“The property was built with this spiritual mandate in mind. Within its architecture stands a fully furnished 100-seater chapel, designed to host prayers and provide counsel to the Head of State,” he noted.
Itumbi argued that the Anglican Church has refrained from stepping into the role because no president in Kenya has belonged to the Anglican denomination. “The opportunity has always been present, but the church I grew up in has not always stepped into it,” he stated.
He recalled that former President Uhuru Kenyatta once attempted to appoint a Catholic chaplain for State House, but bureaucratic delays halted the process.
“The civil service bureaucracy ran the appointee in circles until the process stalled and faded,” he said.
The discussion resurfaced after President William Ruto confirmed plans to build a permanent church within State House grounds. President Ruto said the sanctuary, which will seat 8,000 people, is being funded privately.
“There was already a mabati [tin-sheet] church at State House. I decided to build a permanent one. I am doing it with my own money,” president Ruto stated.
However, the construction has drawn criticism from some civil society organizations and legal analysts who question its constitutionality. Article 8 of Kenya’s Constitution bars the state from adopting any religion, prompting debate about the church’s denominational affiliation and its alignment with public office.
The matter continues to draw both support and scrutiny, with stakeholders seeking clarity on how Kenya’s leaders navigate the boundary between faith and governance.
