Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has publicly criticised President William Ruto’s decision to construct a KSh 1.2 billion church within the State House. Ole Sapit preaches during a past church service. Photo: Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. Source: Facebook According to the cleric, the project by the head of state is a troubling overstep that blurs the line between faith and government. Why is Ole Sapit against Ruto’s church? Ole Sapit told Nation that he supports the building of places of worship, but firmly objects to the location of this particular one. According to the ACK leader, the issue is not about religion or worship, but the troubling constitutional implications of such a project being set up at the official seat of executive power. “I’ve no problem with building a place of worship. The problem is the location.
The State House is the seat of power of a human institution called the government,” he stated. The archbishop warned that constructing a church at State House sends a problematic message about the role of religion in governance, directly clashing with Kenya’s constitutional commitment to secularism. He questioned what message the construction sends about which ‘kingdom’ the church would represent: the Kingdom of God or the political establishment. “The church is a sanctuary to worship God, and it is supposed to be set apart from any unholy use, representing God’s kingdom. When you have a church in State House, which kingdom does it represent?” Ole Sapit stated.
Who will lead Ruto’s church? The ACK leader further questioned the governance structure of the planned mega-church, which Ruto has confirmed is already under construction. In the absence of any formal denominational affiliation or theological oversight, Ole Sapit wondered who would lead it. Archbishop Ole Sapit warned of the dangers the church posed. Photo: Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit. Source: Twitter He suggested that maybe the president would take up a leadership role in the church, adding that maybe Ruto would lead the congregation in the church. “Will the president be the bishop or leader of this church, as we have seen him recently lead public prayers?” Sapit posed. The archbishop also noted that there are already many churches in close proximity to the State House that are easily accessible to staff and residents. “This is not a priority. The said church will undermine the security of State House as many will come in the name of worship with other intentions,” he said.
By Didacus Malowa
