Christian professionals seek to join case challenging construction of Church at State House
The group that it intends to file unique submissions that will assist the Court in addressing the constitutional issues raised.
The Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) has filed an application in the High Court seeking to be enjoined as an Interested Party in a high-profile petition challenging the construction of a church within the State House grounds.
In its Notice of Motion dated September 1, 2025, the Forum wants the Court to certify its request as urgent and allow it to participate in the petition lodged on August 20, 2025, by four civil society organisations—Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, Inuka Kenya ni Sisi, and the Institute of Social Accountability.
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The petitioners claim the State violated the Constitution by building a religious facility within the precincts of the presidency, arguing that the move undermines the doctrine of separation of Church and State, offends the principle of secularism, and amounts to misuse of public resources.
KCPF says the case raises significant constitutional, moral and public interest questions that directly affect the Christian community, which it notes constitutes approximately 85.5 per cent of Kenya's population.
Describing itself as an ecumenical organisation that draws membership from various Christian denominations—including affiliates such as the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya—the Forum argues that its involvement is essential to present a "faith-based constitutional perspective" that is currently missing in the proceedings.
"The question surrounding the construction of a church within State House raises issues of profound public interest, and without the participation of the Applicant, this Honourable Court will be deprived of the perspectives of a key stakeholder," the Forum states in its application.
It adds that it intends to file unique submissions that will assist the Court in addressing the constitutional issues raised.
However, the petitioners have opposed KCPF's bid to join the case, arguing that the matter concerns constitutional interpretation on secular governance and does not require the input of a faith-based entity.
The Court, on September 19, 2025, directed that the application be argued through written submissions.
KCPF relies on Rule 7 of the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules, 2013, which empowers the Court to admit an Interested Party who demonstrates an identifiable legal interest in the proceedings.
The Forum maintains that its participation will not prejudice the existing parties and could help prevent similar future suits by providing clarity on the constitutional issues at stake.
In its application, KCPF is seeking certification of urgency, leave to be enjoined as an Interested Party, permission to file its pleadings and submissions, and any other orders the Court may consider appropriate.
The matter now awaits determination on whether KCPF meets the legal threshold required to join the landmark petition.
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