Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru vows legal action over State House church project

In a statement on X Saturday, Njiru emphasised that the Constitution clearly prohibits the establishment of any state religion.

“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,” he said.

He went on to quote Article 8 of the Constitution, which states, “There shall be no State religion”.

The article safeguards religious freedom and equality for all citizens by preventing the government from establishing a state-sponsored religion.

Njiru added that government involvement in building religious institutions must be equitable and inclusive.

“Mr President, there is a reason why the Constitution provided that there shall be no state religion,” Njiru said.

Njiru’s remarks come amid growing public debate on the role of religion in state affairs.

People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua said: "Not your land, not your money to do as you please. Completely out of order".

On Friday evening, Ruto confirmed that he was building a church at State House, affirming that it was being financed from his resources and that he owes no one an apology for it.

Speaking while hosting leaders from Embu County, led by Governor Cecily Mbarire, the President affirmed his personal commitment to faith and dismissed criticism surrounding the initiative.

"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 confirmed that the church is indeed being built within the State House compound and acknowledged that the development had attracted media attention.

Ruto maintained that building a place of worship within the official presidential residence is both a personal choice and an expression of his beliefs.

The church construction at State House continues as part of what insiders describe as the President’s long-held desire to have a dedicated place of worship on the grounds.