The Atheists in Kenya Society, led by their President Harrison Mumia, has issued a strong warning of impending legal action against what they describe as the unconstitutional construction of a church on the premises of State House in Nairobi.
The society’s stance comes amidst reports circulating alleging that an 8,000-seater church, purportedly costing Ksh1.2 billion, is being covertly built at the official presidential residence.
In a press statement released today, July 4, 2025, the Atheists in Kenya Society expressed profound concern, labeling the purported construction as “shocking and unacceptable” and directly linking it to President William Ruto’s administration.
The society views this alleged action as anti-democratic and a promotion of Christian nationalism.
“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. 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,” the letter reads in part.
The Atheists in Kenya Society has confirmed that they have already instructed their legal team to immediately initiate legal action to halt this egregious “misuse of taxpayer funds”.
The controversy surrounding the State House church construction gained significant traction following today’s Daily Nation report, which detailed the scale and alleged cost of the project.
While official confirmation or denial from the government regarding the church’s construction remains pending, the reports have ignited a fierce debate online and among various civil society groups regarding the constitutional principles of secularism and the use of public funds for religious structures.
This is not the first time the issue of religion and state has come under public scrutiny in Kenya. President William Ruto has been known for his strong public display of Christian faith, often incorporating religious rhetoric into his speeches and public engagements.
His presidency has seen an increase in religious events held at State House, which some critics have previously viewed as blurring the lines between church and state, even before the current allegations of a permanent church structure emerged.
The Atheists in Kenya Society have consistently advocated for strict adherence to Article 8 of the Constitution, arguing against any governmental actions that appear to favour one religion over others or to integrate religious institutions into state affairs.
The impending legal battle, if it materializes, is set to become a landmark case challenging the separation of church and state in Kenya.
by moses sagwe
