Ruto’s dream Ksh1.2B chapel at State House halted by court
By Ascah Mwango, August 28, 2025It is a huge blow to President William Ruto after the High Court in Nairobi stopped his plan to build a permanent church inside the State House grounds.
The court issued conservatory orders on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, temporarily stopping the project until November 18, 2025.
The decision came after a petition filed by Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and other civil society organisations, who argued that building a church inside the State House violates the constitutional principle of separation between state and religion. They also raised concerns that the project could pave the way for the misuse of public resources.
Justice Mwita, who presided over the matter, emphasised that the petition presented weighty constitutional and legal issues that deserved urgent attention. He said the matter goes beyond the physical construction of a religious building and touches on deeper questions of governance, accountability, and inclusivity in a secular state.
“I am satisfied that the application and petition raise fundamental constitutional and legal questions touching on State and religion which require urgent investigation and further consideration by the court,” the judge stated.
The court further directed that the government, its officers, or any individuals acting on its behalf must not proceed with the construction of any religious building within the State House or any other official government residence until the case is fully heard. The judge also cautioned that failure to comply with the orders would attract serious consequences.
“A conservatory order is hereby issued restraining the government of Kenya, its officers and or anyone acting on its behalf from constructing a permanent church or building associated with any religious faith within the Grounds of State House, Nairobi or any other State House or State Lodges until 18th November 2025,” the order read.
The petitioners say the State House must remain neutral and inclusive for all Kenyans, regardless of their faith. They claim the planned chapel, which is placed for Ksh1.2 billion, would symbolically tilt the presidency towards one religion and could alienate citizens of other faiths.
This ruling effectively stalls one of President Ruto’s personal initiatives, which has sparked heated public debate. His close allies and supporters view it as an expression of his faith and values, while critics have warned that it risks blurring the lines between the state and the church in a country whose Constitution firmly upholds religious neutrality in government affairs.
President Ruto defended the plan, saying the chapel would be funded privately and not from public coffers, stressing that it was his personal commitment to have a proper place of worship within the presidential compound.
He also maintained that he would not apologise for his faith, pointing out that a dignified place of worship inside State House is necessary.