Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru threatens court action over Ruto’s plan to build church at State House
He stressed that the Constitution was designed to protect the country from religious bias by ensuring all beliefs are treated equally under the law.
Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has warned of possible legal action over President William Ruto’s decision to build a church within the State House compound, arguing that the move goes against the Constitution’s provisions on religious neutrality.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Njiru cited Article 8 of the Constitution, which clearly states, “There shall be no State religion,” insisting that the government must remain neutral and inclusive in matters of faith.
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“If you choose to build a Church, then you must equally build a Mosque, a Hindu temple and our African traditional shrines. Otherwise, we are heading to court,” Njiru declared.
He stressed that the Constitution was designed to protect the country from religious bias by ensuring all beliefs are treated equally under the law.
“Mr President, there is a reason why the Constitution provided that there shall be no state religion,” he added, maintaining that any state-linked involvement in building religious structures must reflect Kenya’s religious diversity.
Njiru’s remarks have added to an ongoing public debate on the intersection of religion and government affairs, especially following recent developments at State House.
On Friday evening, President Ruto confirmed that he was personally constructing a church at State House, stating that the initiative is fully funded from his pocket and is a reflection of his faith.
“Mimi ni mtu naamini kwa Mungu, and I have no apologies to make. Kwa kujenga kanisa, I have no apology, na hakuna mtu nitaomba msamaha,” Ruto said.
He made the comments while hosting leaders from Embu County, led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, where he defended his decision and dismissed the criticism it has drawn.
Ruto acknowledged that the construction had become a subject of public conversation but stood firm, saying the church is part of his long-standing desire to have a dedicated space for worship within the official presidential residence.
People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua also weighed in, criticising the move and questioning the use of public space. “Not your land, not your money to do as you please. Completely out of order,” she said.
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