Ruto’s $9m mega church project triggers backlash amid Kenya’s economic turmoil

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing growing public outrage over plans to construct a $9.3 million mega church at his official residence, as the country grapples with deepening economic hardship and deadly anti-government protests.

The planned church, set to be built in central Nairobi, is expected to accommodate over 8,000 worshippers and cost KES 1.2 billion, according to local reports.

The project has sparked a national debate about the role of religion in governance and the use of public space by political leaders.

The timing of the church’s construction has particularly angered many Kenyans, who are struggling amid a severe cost-of-living crisis.

Just days ago, at least 31 people were killed and over 500 arrested in violent protests against the government’s economic policies.

The placement of a religious structure on government property has also led to legal pushback.

A petition filed by lawyer Levy Munyeri argues that the project violates Kenya’s constitutional principle of separation between religion and state. The high court is expected to rule on the matter.

Despite the backlash, Ruto has defended the initiative, insisting it will be privately funded.

“I am not going to ask anyone for an apology for building a church. The devil might be angry and can do what he wants,” he said on July 4th.

Political analyst Dr. Denis Galava believes Ruto faces little institutional resistance. “He knows parliament cannot stop him,” Galava told Africanews, pointing out that Ruto has consolidated power by co-opting key opposition figures into his cabinet.

With his deep evangelical ties, Ruto, Kenya’s first openly evangelical president, has long placed religion at the heart of his political identity.

During his 2022 election campaign, he was even dubbed “deputy Jesus” for his frequent religious messaging. He previously built a chapel at his former residence in Nairobi’s Karen suburb.

As anger simmers across the country, critics argue the mega church symbolizes a broader disconnect between the president’s priorities and the everyday struggles of Kenyans.