President William Ruto on Sunday, July 6, responded to criticism from the Anglican Church of Kenya's Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit over the decision to construct a church within State House, Nairobi.

Speaking during a church service at the 35th Diocesan Anniversary held at St. Mark’s College, Kigari in Embu County, Ruto maintained that the project would proceed as planned, despite the uproar from a section of the public and religious leaders.

"We have said that the construction would go on as planned and that there would not be a single government penny that would be spent on the same," Ruto stated.

Archbishop Ole Sapit had earlier questioned the initiative, raising concerns about who would head the new church and the exclusion of other denominations from the process.

President William Ruto reacts during his address at the 35th Diocesan Anniversary at St. Mark’s College, Kigari, Embu County on July 6, 2025.

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In a subtle yet firm response, Ruto explained that State House already had a chaplain who had been serving before he assumed office and continued to lead services.

“We already have a chaplain. I heard one bishop asking, who will be the head of the church? We have a chaplain there who I found already serving, and he is the one leading services even now. I didn’t appoint him; I found him there,” Ruto said.

His remarks came after State House Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi issued a lengthy statement addressing Ole Sapit’s concerns, giving historical context on the long-standing ties between State House and the Church.

Itumbi added that, by tradition and proximity, the archbishop was already the de facto bishop of the planned State House church and National Chaplain.

“Your Grace, my Archbishop, Most Reverend Ole Sapit, you do not need to ask who should be the State House Bishop. By tradition, geography, and divine proximity, you already are,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the president used the occasion to urge the church to pray for the country, especially in light of growing political tensions and youth-led movements.

Ruto asked the clergy to step in and foster national unity, warning against the dangers of division and destruction.

"Let us pray so that the spirit of division, destruction, and evil does not rule over our nation. I want to challenge the church to actively take up the role," he said.

President William Ruto (centre) with CS Georey Ruku and UDA chairperson Cecil Mbarire during the 35th Diocesan Anniversary at St. Mark’s College, Kigari, Embu County on July 6, 2025.

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