A throwback video from 17th July 2022, showing President William Ruto vowing to build a “great altar” at State House, has renewed heated debate across Kenya. The video re-emerged just as satellite images confirmed the quiet construction of a massive religious complex within the country’s most secure compound.
Captured during a church service at Joy in Christ Fellowship in Juja, Kiambu county, then-Deputy President Ruto publicly declared his intention to construct what he called “a big church, a great altar” at State House.
His bold declaration came just weeks before the hotly contested 2022 general election that would eventually deliver him the presidency.
At the time, Ruto dismissed critics, stating it was his personal goal to ensure Kenya remained a God-fearing nation.
“I saw in the newspaper today that it was written I said I will defend the church. It was placed there very prominently. And I think those who put it there did not have good intentions. But so be it. We will defend the word of God. And I said yesterday that this country will continue to be a God-fearing nation. That is our commitment. Even building an altar at State House, that is our main agenda. We built one at the Hustlers’ Mansion and we faced a few challenges. But I believe we will not build one like the one at the Hustlers’ Mansion. We are going to build a big church, a great altar, so that this country continues to be a God-fearing nation,” he stated.
His declaration was met with thunderous applause, with attendees including his then-ally Rigathi Gachagua and other Mt Kenya leaders who have since fallen out with him.
Constitutional Concerns and Cleric’s Criticism
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit.
He has publicly criticised President William Ruto’s decision to construct a KSh 1.2 billion church within the State House, calling it a troubling overstep that blurs the line between faith and government.
Speaking to Nation, Ole Sapit affirmed his support for places of worship but firmly objected to this particular location.
The ACK leader emphasised that the core issue is not about religion or worship itself, but the profound constitutional implications of such a project being established 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 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 which ‘kingdom’ such a church would represent: “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 further questioned the governance structure of the planned mega-church, which Ruto has confirmed is already under construction, especially in the absence of any formal denominational affiliation or theological oversight.
He speculated, “Will the president be the bishop or leader of this church, as we have seen him recently lead public prayers?”
The Archbishop also noted the proximity of many existing churches to State House, easily accessible to staff and residents.
He argued, “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.”
