In a surprising statement, President William Ruto confirmed plans to build a lavish church at the State House in Nairobi, declaring he would personally shoulder the $9 million cost. This announcement has sparked outrage among many Kenyans, who feel that the project undermines the secular principles of the country. Ruto rejected calls for an apology, insisting, "the devil might be angry," as he defends the building of an 8,000-seat church, contrasting it with the makeshift iron sheet church that previously existed on the site.
Critics highlight the timing, given the rising living costs in Kenya, and question Ruto's authority to erect such a structure on government land. The Atheists Society of Kenya is threatening legal action, labeling the move as anti-democratic and warning that it could promote a singular Christian nationalism in a religiously diverse nation. Archbishop Philip Anyolo from Nairobi has urged clarity on the project to ensure it doesn’t favor a particular denomination.
Ruto, who is known for his evangelical Christian background and has earned the nickname "deputy Jesus," faces growing scrutiny over whether his actions align with the secular constitution, especially when there is no representation for other religious communities at the presidency.
Critics highlight the timing, given the rising living costs in Kenya, and question Ruto's authority to erect such a structure on government land. The Atheists Society of Kenya is threatening legal action, labeling the move as anti-democratic and warning that it could promote a singular Christian nationalism in a religiously diverse nation. Archbishop Philip Anyolo from Nairobi has urged clarity on the project to ensure it doesn’t favor a particular denomination.
Ruto, who is known for his evangelical Christian background and has earned the nickname "deputy Jesus," faces growing scrutiny over whether his actions align with the secular constitution, especially when there is no representation for other religious communities at the presidency.
