Nairobi – President William Ruto has confirmed the construction of a permanent chapel at State House Nairobi, insisting that no government funds will be spent on the project. The announcement comes amid growing debate over its relevance and timing.
Addressing grassroots leaders from Embu on Friday, Ruto said he found a temporary tin-structure chapel at the State House grounds and decided to replace it with a permanent place of worship. “I believe in God, and I have no apologies to make for building a church,” Ruto stated. “It is true I am building a church here in State House. I found a tin chapel here that is not the standard of a State House.”
Reports estimate the planned chapel could cost up to KES 1.2 billion and accommodate approximately 8,000 people. However, Ruto maintained the funding would not come from the public purse.
Despite his assurance, the project has drawn criticism, with concerns about national priorities. Many Kenyans have questioned the necessity of such a project when the country is struggling with gaps in public healthcare and the university funding model that has left thousands of students unable to access higher education.
This is not the first time Ruto has faced scrutiny over his church engagements. In 2019, while serving as Deputy President, he and First Lady Rachel Ruto constructed a chapel at their Karen residence, known as the National Prayer Altar. At the time, Rachel Ruto posted a Bible verse from 2 Samuel 24:25, saying, “David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Thus, the Lord was moved by prayer for the land, and the plague was held back from Israel.”
The Karen chapel later served as a key meeting venue for political allies during Ruto’s strained relationship with the former administration.
President Ruto has repeatedly defended his religious commitments and contributions to churches across the country. He has told critics not to misinterpret his generosity as extravagance, urging them to focus instead on the country’s moral values.
The State House chapel remains under construction. No official documents have been released confirming the identities of its funders, although State House officials insist the project is supported by private donors.
