President William Ruto has firmly defended the construction of a church within the State House grounds, asserting that the project is being financed from his personal resources and not public funds. Speaking on Thursday during a meeting with leaders from Embu County led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, the President dismissed criticism surrounding the initiative and emphasized his unwavering commitment to his Christian faith.
“Mimi ni mtu naamini kwa Mungu, and I have no apologies to make. Kwa kujenga kanisa, I have no apology, na hakuna mtu nitaomba msamaha,” Ruto stated, underscoring his conviction that building a church is a personal matter of faith.
The President’s comments come amid increasing public scrutiny and media reports questioning the appropriateness of constructing a religious facility within the seat of executive power. Critics have expressed concerns over the blurring of lines between church and state, especially given Ruto’s frequent religious rhetoric and high-profile appearances at Christian events.
In response to the coverage, Ruto appeared unfazed, saying, “Naambiwa ati mpaka kwa gazeti leo kuna mtu anasema ninajenga kanisa hapa,” a direct jab at media outlets questioning the move. He insisted that the place of worship within State House is a personal project and an expression of his values, not a government initiative.
Sources close to the presidency suggest that the church’s construction is part of Ruto’s long-standing aspiration to establish a spiritual sanctuary within his official residence, where he and other believers can gather for prayer and worship.
While his stance has drawn admiration from religious supporters, it has also reignited debate about the role of religion in governance and whether such overt displays of personal belief are appropriate within state institutions.
Nonetheless, President Ruto appears determined to proceed, brushing aside opposition and affirming that his faith remains central to his leadership. “I am a man of faith,” he reiterated, adding that he does not need to apologize for expressing it through the construction of a church.
