Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has publicly challenged President William Ruto to prove he is personally funding the controversial construction of a church at State House, Nairobi.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Omtatah further questioned the legality and constitutionality of erecting a religious facility—be it a church, mosque, temple, or shrine—on public land.

He stated that State House is public property with clearly defined legal uses.

“State House sits on public land whose use is clearly defined in law. The land cannot be used at the whims of anybody, not even the President,” Omtatah said.

The Senator claimed that money for the project is part of Sh3.5 billion allocated under Supplementary Budget III, passed by Parliament late last month.

According to him, the funds were obscured under a vague budget line labeled ‘other expenses’, which he believes includes allocations for the construction at State House.

Omtatah demanded transparency and called on the President to produce evidence that the church is being built using private funds, as publicly claimed.

His comments come hours after Ruto dismissed reports that the State House church project is set to cost Sh1.2 billion, a figure reported by a local daily.

Speaking during the ACK Diocese of Embu’s 35th Anniversary Thanksgiving at Kigari Teachers Training College, Ruto ridiculed the amount, suggesting it was inflated and misleading.

“The bishop has shown me the building we are constructing. It has eleven floors. It’s estimated to cost Sh350 million. Let me ask—if the church is big enough for 300 people, can it cost a billion shillings?” Ruto asked.

The President went on to condemn what he called “gossip, propaganda, and hatred” directed at the church and its role in national life.

“Please stop the gossip, propaganda, and hatred. Why do you hate the church of God? I don’t know where these people got the billions,” Ruto added.

Omtatah, who is known for his legal activism, has hinted at possible legal action if the government fails to account for the funds and clarify the basis for constructing the religious facility on public property.