Opposition leaders have criticized President William Ruto over his plans to construct a church at State House, accusing him of misusing public land for religious purposes and disregarding the constitutional separation of church and State.

Led by former Deputy President and Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, the opposition termed the President’s move as inappropriate and hypocritical, especially at a time when the government is facing widespread criticism over the handling of youth-led dissent across the country.

Speaking during the burial ceremony of Gachagua’s aunt Gladys Gathoni in Inono Village, Mathira, Nyeri County, the leaders questioned why the President is prioritizing building a church at State House while the ruins of the Kiambaa church, which was torched during the 2007 post-election violence, remain unattended.

“President Ruto should not talk about building a church at State House when Kiambaa church, which was burnt down with people inside in 2007, is still lying in ruins. That is where he should start. Let him rebuild that first if he truly cares about the church and its place in our national healing,” Gachagua said.

The opposition also invoked the Kenyan Constitution, which they argue explicitly guarantees the freedom of religion while barring the establishment of any State religion.

“The Constitution is very clear. It says there shall be no State religion. That means the government must remain neutral in matters of faith. What the President is doing goes against that principle and violates the spirit of our Constitution,” the former DP said.

He further accused the President of blurring the lines between his personal religious convictions and the responsibilities of the State, warning that such actions risk undermining the pluralism and diversity enshrined in the country’s democratic principles.

Gachagua also condemned what he termed as illegal arrests of young people who have voiced dissent against the government.

He claimed that State agents have been targeting vocal youth leaders with trumped-up charges as a tactic to intimidate and silence the opposition.

Among those mentioned were DCP National Youth League members Wanjiku Thiga  and Peter Kawanjiru, who were allegedly arrested, released, and re-arrested without proper legal grounds

“What we are seeing is a targeted persecution of our youth. These young people are not criminals. They are simply raising their voices and asking questions. Instead of listening, the government is responding with police cells and court charges. This is a tactic meant to instill fear and kill their spirit. It will not work,” he said.

He also alleged that goons had been mobilized in advance of the planned Saba Saba demonstrations on Monday, to incite violence and sabotage peaceful protests.

“As we prepare for peaceful demonstrations, the regime is planning to unleash chaos. They have hired goons to loot, burn property, and create confusion so that they can later blame it on the opposition. They will also use that as a cover to arrest my allies,” he said.

Gachagua made a startling revelation that his late aunt, Gladys Gathoni, had cautioned him against backing Ruto in the 2022 General Election. 

“She warned me long before the elections. She told me: ‘Rigathi, do not trust that man. He is not right for this country.’ At the time, I thought she was being too harsh. But now, looking at the betrayal and arrogance we are witnessing, I understand her words. She saw what I did not see,” he said.

Former Kakamega Senator, Cleophas Malala, said the move to construct a church at State House violates Kenya’s religious neutrality. 

“Yes, building a church is a good thing. But what about Muslims, Buddhists, Freemasons, and even pagans? What will he build for them? The Constitution is being perforated. The government should not involve itself in religion, and Ruto should not be the first President to violate the Constitution in this way,” he said.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua sharply rebuked the President, accusing him of personalizing public property for his religious beliefs. 

“State House is not your home. It belongs to the people. If you want to worship, go to your home and do it. What is preventing you from visiting Kiambaa church and rebuilding it? It is just in your neighborhood. You are confessing what we already know — that you are mixing personal matters with public resources,” she said.

Karua also condemned the state for its continued harassment and abduction of youth, linking it to authoritarian rule. 

Former Attorney General Justin Muturi criticized the state’s attempt to criminalize free expression, particularly targeting the youth with terrorism-related charges. 

“The government is trying to silence our youth by accusing them of terrorism just so they can be denied bond and stay in remand. This is not because they are guilty of terrorism, and even Deputy President Kithure Kindiki admitted that. We will challenge these charges to the highest level on constitutional grounds,” he said.

Tetu Member of Parliament Geoffrey Wandeto alleged that President Ruto’s administration is scheming to scrap the NG-CDF fund in order to centralize control and weaken the role of MPs. 

“We know the President and his allies want NG-CDF scrapped so that we, the MPs, are left with nothing to support our people. That way, we keep kneeling before him like beggars,” he said.

Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru Mejjadonk added that the President has been dishonest with Kenyans about the funding of the State House church project.

Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka also criticized the reported allocation of Sh1.2 billion for the construction of the church, stating that public resources cannot be used to fund personal religious agendas. 

“That is not personal money. It’s public money. Let’s not lie to ourselves. You cannot misuse the budget like that and expect no one to ask questions,” he said.

The former DP and his allies have increasingly distanced themselves from the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of betraying the public trust, abandoning campaign promises, and overseeing a regime that is quickly becoming intolerant of opposing views.