The High Court has officially scheduled July 24, 2025, as the date to hear a high-stakes petition challenging President William Ruto’s controversial plan to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church within the State House grounds.
The petition, filed by High Court advocate Levy Munyeri, questions the legality and constitutionality of erecting a mega-church using public property and funds.
COURT CERTIFIES CHURCH PETITION AS URGENT
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, while certifying the petition as urgent, ordered that it be physically filed within three days. Respondents, including the government, have been granted seven days to submit their replies ahead of the hearing.
“The court has acknowledged the urgency of this matter. Further directions will be issued on July 24,” Munyeri said in a brief statement shared after the certification.
“This construction is going nowhere,” he added confidently.
PETITION SEEKS CONSERVATORY ORDERS TO HALT CONSTRUCTION
Munyeri’s petition argues that President Ruto’s church project violates multiple constitutional principles, including the separation of church and state, public participation requirements, and responsible use of public property.
According to the petition, the project was launched without parliamentary approval or citizen consultation, despite State House being public land.
The advocate is also seeking conservatory orders to suspend any further construction activity, citing reports that the project is already underway — with satellite imagery allegedly showing visible groundwork.
OMTATAH AND CIVIL SOCIETY CALL OUT “STATE RELIGION AGENDA”
Earlier this week, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah — a vocal government critic — penned an open letter to President Ruto, denouncing the move as an attempt to institutionalize Christianity as a State religion, a move he said directly contradicts the secular nature of Kenya’s Constitution.
“State House is not private property. It belongs to the people of Kenya. This construction is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent,” said Omtatah.
Civil society groups and legal experts have echoed similar sentiments, warning that the State cannot appear to favor one religion over others—especially in a multi-faith society.
PRESIDENT RUTO: “THE CHURCH WILL BE BUILT”
Despite mounting legal and public pressure, President Ruto has reiterated his commitment to the project, emphasizing that nothing will stop the construction. Speaking during various church events, the Head of State said the plan is a fulfillment of his spiritual mission and dedication to God.
“This is my personal vow. The church will be built,” Ruto declared during a service at the Church of Christ in Africa on June 8, 2025.
The President was accompanied by key leaders including Nairobi Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who all supported the initiative.
