President William Ruto has dismissed criticism surrounding the construction of a church within the State House grounds.

President Ruto states that he is merely renovating an already existing place of worship that serves over 300 families residing and working at the official residence of the Head of State.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at St Mark’s College, Kigari 36th Diocesan anniversary, the President defended the move, saying it was hypocritical to expect him to support church construction across the country while the chapel within State House remains in disrepair.

“Someone asked if I could invite them to help construct a church at State House. Let me clarify—I didn’t come to establish a new church. I found an existing one, made of iron sheets, leaking, and in poor condition. Yet this church serves over 300 families of security personnel and staff who live and work at State House,” President Ruto said. 

Ruto reiterated that no public funds would be used for the renovation, just as church congregations raise funds for their own places of worship.

“We will not use public funds. This is a private initiative, just as any church member contributes to building their church. And to those asking who the pastor will be—we already have a chaplain. I found him here,” he added. 

The President dismissed as “propaganda” claims that the church construction would cost taxpayers up to Sh1 billion.

“A commercial church going up 11 floors might cost Sh350 million. How then can a simple church that seats 300 people cost Sh1 billion? Let us stop spreading lies and hatred, especially in the name of the church,” he said.

He added that at State House, there is a worship service that goes on as like many worship places.

“Even as we speak, a service is underway at the chapel, which also includes a functioning Sunday School and a resident chaplain. I heard one pastor asking where we a preacher will come from,” he said.

He further noted that even as he has been renovating other parts of the house on the hill, the chapel needed a face lift.

“How can I go around assisting churches across the country while the one at State House remains in a bad state?” he posed. 

“Even the Bible, in Haggai 1:4, asks why people live in comfortable houses while the house of God lies in ruins. Should I wait to be asked by God why I ignored His house? Let me build a decent place of worship.”

Turning to healthcare reforms, the President urged all Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access free treatment at public health facilities from Level 1 to Level 4.

“Once you’re registered with SHA, you do not need to pay anything at those facilities. The government has funded them to provide services free of charge,” said Ruto.

He said the new system, anchored in the recently rolled-out Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), is designed to ensure no Kenyan is left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.

“We want to know how many people are in each region so we can equip hospitals properly—with doctors, medicine, and other human resources,” he stated. “Our biggest challenge has been a lack of data, but we are fixing that through SHA registration.”

He also assured Kenyans that SHIF contributions would be income-based.

“Those who are able will contribute according to their income. For the vulnerable, the government will step in and pay on their behalf,” he explained.

In the wake of anticipated protests, President Ruto called on church leaders and believers to pray for peace and stability across the country.

“Let us reject the devil who thrives in chaos and destruction. Instead, let us seek peace, coexistence, and progress,” said the President.

He urged all Kenyans, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to work together for the betterment of the country.

“A peaceful nation is a prosperous nation. Let us stand united in our prayers and efforts to move Kenya forward,” he added.