‘The Religion of the President is Irrelevant,’ David Ndii Says in Support of Ruto’s Sh1.2B State House Church

Nairobi, Kenya – July 5, 2025 – Economist David Ndii has defended President William Ruto’s decision to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church within the State House, emphasizing that the project serves the spiritual needs of over 1,000 government employees and their families residing on the premises.

In a statement posted on his X account on Saturday, Ndii argued that the president’s personal faith is irrelevant to the project, as the church will primarily cater to the predominantly Christian staff, regardless of the religious beliefs of future presidents.

“The church serves the 1,000+ government staff and their families who live in the State House. The religion of the president is irrelevant; the staff will remain predominantly Christian, whatever the religion of future presidents,” Ndii stated.

President Ruto, addressing the controversy, stood firm on his decision, dismissing critics and describing the existing iron-sheet chapel as inadequate for an institution of State House’s stature.

“I’m not going to be sorry to anyone for building a church. We shall build the church of God,” Ruto declared, adding, “Let the devil protest the decision and do that which he pleases.”

He further emphasized that a proper church is necessary to reflect the dignity and status of the State House.

However, the project has sparked debate amid Kenya’s economic challenges, with critics questioning the timing and cost of the initiative.

Many have pointed to the dire state of schools and hospitals, which lack basic infrastructure, as a more pressing priority for public funds.

The controversy has also taken a religious diversity angle, with Muslim leaders calling for the construction of a mosque within the State House to accommodate Muslim staff and visitors.

“We know that our country respects every religion, and we have not seen the current president showing any hostility towards Muslims,” a Muslim leader noted, citing Ruto’s contributions to madrasas and mosques.

“Since the State House is a place that represents people of all religions, just as a church has been established for Christians, we are also requesting that a place of worship be set up for Muslims.”

Opposition to the church project has also emerged from political quarters.

The DAP-K Party condemned the initiative, citing constitutional concerns, while Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina dismissed the Muslim leaders’ request for a mosque as laughable.