Outrage Over Ruto Ksh1.2 Billion State House Church Project
President William Ruto is facing a wave of criticism after reports surfaced about his plans to build a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House.
As reported by the Daily Nation, this church is set to accommodate around 8,000 people and carry a hefty price tag of Sh1.2 billion. However, the publication couldn’t definitively confirm if the funding would come solely from Kenyans.
The design of the church, as described by Nation, features crosses and impressive stained-glass windows, giving it a striking appearance.
Yet, the news has sparked a variety of reactions from Kenyans and political leaders alike, many of whom are accusing the president of having his priorities all wrong.
One of the most outspoken critics is Mumias East lawmaker Peter Salasya, who didn’t hold back in an open letter directed at the president.
“Mr. President, Kenya is a secular republic. Article 8 of our Constitution spells it out: ‘There shall be no state religion. ‘ You are not just the leader of Christians. You are also the president of Muslims, Hindus, traditionalists, atheists, and every other belief system in this country,” Salasya wrote.
The presidential candidate criticized Ruto for supposedly being out of touch with the everyday struggles of regular Kenyans, who have more pressing needs than just having a church built for them.
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“What I see today under your leadership is a government that uses religion to hide behind accountability,” he said.
Salasya’s remarks were supported by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who didn’t hold back in criticizing the president. He accused him of swindling Kenyans through various projects, ranging from the renovations at the state house to the construction of a new church.
“Kenya bleeds, but you chose to turn the statehouse into an active construction site. Talk of an administration with misplaced priorities! From endless statehouse renovations to now constructing a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House. Is it because nothing says “servant leadership” like praying in marble while the poor dig graves with bare hands,” the lawyer continued.
Canada-based lawyer Miguna Miguna has weighed in on the construction, urging for an immediate halt to what he describes as ‘primitive plunder, misuse of office, and barbarism’ by Ruto.
So far, State House hasn’t officially addressed the reports or the criticism surrounding the controversial construction.
Reports indicate that the church is intended to serve various functions, including hosting national prayer services, diplomatic gatherings, and interfaith ceremonies.
Outrage Over Ruto Ksh1.2 Billion State House Church Project
