Editor's Review

President William Ruto has responded to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, over his inquiries about the church under construction at State House.

President William Ruto has responded to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit, over his inquiries about the church under construction at State House. 

Speaking on Sunday, July 6, at the 35th Diocesan Anniversary held at St. Mark’s College, Kigari in Embu County, the president maintained that he was fully funding the construction of the church, even as the move sparked an uproar and criticism from the public and various leaders. 

"We have said that the construction would go on as planned and that there would not be a single government penny that would be spent on the same," Ruto stated. 

The archbishop had earlier questioned the building's essence, raising his concern over who would head the now-controversial church.

In an indirect response, Ruto explained that the State House had an in-house chaplain who served the current church before he assumed office as the president. 

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“We already have a chaplain. I heard one bishop asking who would be the head of the church. We have a chaplain there who I found already serving; he is the one leading services even now. I didn’t appoint him; I found him there,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto in the company of CS Geoffrey Ruku and Governor Cecily Mbarire

President Ruto further dismissed claims that the church would house 8,000 congregants, nor would it cost billions to construct, before terming the ongoing reports as ‘propaganda’. 

Let me ask you, can a church that seats only three hundred people possibly cost one billion? Let us stop spreading propaganda, cheap talk, and hatred. Why are some people so bitter about a church built for the worship of God? Ruto questioned.

The church, which is meant to serve state house staffers and their families, will not be open to public use.

Jackson Ole Sapit questioned the construction of the Church at State House, noting that while he supports the construction of places of worship, he opposed the particular location of this one.   

Sapit stated, "State House holds the authority of a human institution known as the government. In contrast, the Church is a sacred place for worshipping God and should remain separate from any unholy activities, symbolizing God’s kingdom."