People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has condemned President William Ruto’s decision to construct a massive church within the State House grounds. People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua addresses a congregation. Her sharp rebuke follows Ruto’s firm confirmation that a mega church is indeed under construction at the State House, bringing an end to speculation fuelled by architectural designs and satellite imagery.
During an event on Friday, July 4, Ruto didn’t hold back, declaring unapologetically that he is building a house of worship inside the presidential residence and insisting the move is in line with his faith. According to the head of state, he is using his personal funds to build the place of worship, arguing that he had found a dilapidated structure. “Mimi ni mtu naamini Mungu and I have no apologies to make. Hakuna mtu nitaomba msamaha kwa kujenga kanisa. Shetani akarisike, afanye ile anataka. I have no apologies to make. Ni kweli kanisa inajengwa hapa State House na haitagarimu mtu yeyote hata shilingi,” the president said, pushing back at mounting criticism. How did Karua rebuke Ruto? But the response from Karua, a long-standing advocate for constitutionalism and accountability, was swift and to the point. Taking to her X account, the political iron lady reminded the head of state that State House is not personal property.
Karua stated that Ruto’s actions were out of line. Photo: Martha Karua. Source: Facebook Karua further cast doubt on Ruto using his funds for the mega church, telling the president that he is out of order. “Not your land, not your money to do as you please @WilliamsRuto completely out of order,” she wrote on X. Karua’s remarks added to a growing chorus of concern about the president’s increasingly public integration of religion with state affairs. What does the Constitution say? Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution clearly states that there shall be no state religion. It prohibits the government from adopting or endorsing any particular faith, ensuring that all religions are treated equally under the law.
Inside Ruto’s multi-billion church project As earlier reported, details of the construction first emerged after Nation obtained detailed blueprints of the facility. The building is expected to seat up to 8,000 congregants and is designed in a grand neoclassical-modern style by Skair Architects Limited. The project, which reportedly costs an estimated KSh 1.2 billion, features twin crosses on its roof, towering arched windows, and a central prayer hall that spans multiple levels. It also includes LED-lit glass entrances, private prayer rooms, and various auxiliary spaces.
By Didacus Malowa
