Opposition leaders have come out guns blazing to condemn President William Ruto's stance on constructing a church within the State House precincts, using what the president describes as his own money.

Speaking during a funeral service in Mathira Constituency in Nyeri County, they also used the platform to forewarn government operatives against plans to disrupt Saba Saba demonstrations on Monday.

Just a day after President Ruto confirmed the existence of a State House-based church, which is still under construction, opposition leaders trooped to Nyeri’s Mathira Constituency, ostensibly to weigh in on the matter, which has caused uproar across the nation.

Speaking during the burial of the late Gladys Gathoni, aunt to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, the opposition outfit used the platform to castigate the president's move, faulting him for turning public property into a space for personal development.

They cited Article 8 of the Constitution, which stipulates that there shall be no state religion.

“If you want to commit a constitutional impeachable offence, then continue with this thinking, because Kenyans are able to see through this,” said opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

“Kama unatumia pesa zako Ksh.1.3 billion na mshahara wako ni Ksh.1.4 million, how many years will you take assuming unatumia mshahara wako whole of it kujenga kanisa kwa Ikulu? We must call him out.”

The opposition also said that the president’s move requires public participation.

“Mali ya umma tunajua vile imechukuliwa. Ile ardhi pahali Ikulu iko, hiyo ni mali ya umma,” said former Attorney General Justin Muturi. “Chochote unafanya lazima ipitie kwa mali ya umma. Ukisema unatumia hela yako eti unajenga kanisa, yes tunataka kanisa, but it has been explained very well here—wajinga waliisha Kenya.”

“If you want to build a church, State House is not your personal property. Go build one at your place in Karen or Sugoi,” said PLP leader Martha Karua.

“Enda kwa kila kanisa iko na ujengee, tusichanganye mambo ya serikali na ya kibinafsi.”

“The constitution is being perforated,” said Cleophas Malala. “Kipengele kiby is not a religious state.”

The leaders in attendance also used the platform to eulogize the late Gladys Gathoni, describing her as an astute leader who championed peace and harmony.