Court Stops Ruto From Building Permanent Church at State House

The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily blocked President William Ruto’s plan to construct a permanent church inside the State House compound.

The court issued the order after a petition was filed challenging the move, saying it raises serious constitutional questions about the relationship between the State and religion.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Chacha Mwita, the court suspended the construction of a modern church at State House until the matter is fully heard and decided.

“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the government, its officers, and any persons acting on its behalf from constructing a permanent church or any religious building within the grounds of State House, Nairobi, or any other State House or State Lodges, until November 18, 2025,” Justice Mwita ruled.

The judge explained that he was convinced the petition deserved urgent consideration since it touched on issues of constitutional importance.

He further noted that the petition raised weighty questions about whether the use of State property for religious purposes was in line with the principles of Kenya’s Constitution.

Petitioners and Court Directions

The petitioners in the case include the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Katiba Institute. The court directed them to serve the respondents, including the government, with the petition immediately.

Justice Mwita also gave a clear timeline for how the case should proceed. He ordered that the respondents must file their responses within seven days after receiving the petition.

After that, the petitioners will also have seven days to file a supplementary affidavit if necessary, along with written submissions not exceeding ten pages.

The respondents and any interested parties will then be allowed an additional seven days to file their own written submissions on both the application and the petition, also limited to ten pages.

The court also warned that any attempt to disobey the conservatory orders or ignore the directives would attract penal consequences.

Background of the Dispute

This ruling comes just eight weeks after President Ruto announced his plan to build a permanent church worth millions of shillings at State House. The President had said he intended to use his personal funds for the project.

According to the Head of State, the planned church was designed to include a large seating capacity for worshippers, huge frosted glass windows, and prominent crosses. He described it as a modern religious structure that would replace the old, temporary, and dilapidated facility that State House officials had been using.

While speaking during a church service in Embu County on July 4, President Ruto defended his decision, saying the new building was not a misuse of State resources but rather an improvement of an already existing facility.

He emphasized that the project would symbolize his personal commitment to faith and spiritual life, even within the highest office in the land.

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