President William Ruto has dismissed widespread criticism over plans to construct a new church within the Nairobi State House compound, asserting that the project will be funded personally and not with public money.
Speaking on Sunday during a service at Kigari Teachers Training College in Embu County, hosted by the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Embu Diocese, Ruto addressed reports that the chapel would cost taxpayers KSh 1.2 billion, calling them “sheer propaganda.”
“I found a chaplain already at State House when I got there. There was already a church built nearly 100 years ago a simple iron-sheet structure,” Ruto said. “Now that I am renovating the rest of State House, why should I leave the house of God in such a state?”
The Head of State said the renovation of the chapel was a modest and necessary project to provide State House staff and their families — over 300 individuals — with a dignified place to worship. He insisted that exaggerated cost figures were intended to distract and mislead the public.
“Let me be clear — I will build that church with my own money. It will cost very little. That propaganda will not scare me,” he declared.
In what appeared to be a veiled response to Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit who had questioned whether Ruto was aiming to become a bishop the President clarified, “I am a believer. I will build the church not for show, not for politics, but for the spiritual welfare of those at State House.”
While in Embu, President Ruto also pledged KSh 20 million toward the ACK Embu Diocese’s planned 11-storey commercial complex, estimated to cost KSh 387 million. He urged local residents, business leaders, and the faithful to support the project as a long-term investment for the church.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire praised Ruto’s support, expressing confidence that residents would rally behind the initiative.
The event, which brought together clergy, politicians, and worshippers, served as another opportunity for Ruto to reinforce his image as a faith-driven leader amid growing scrutiny from religious and political circles.
