Wamuzi News Ke
A fiery constitutional showdown is brewing in the corridors of power. High Court advocate Ndegwa Njiru has formally announced he will file a lawsuit challenging President William Ruto’s decision to construct a church within the State House compound.
In a sharply worded statement on X (formerly Twitter) over the weekend, Njiru warned that if the State sponsors a Christian place of worship, it must also support a mosque, a Hindu temple, and even traditional African shrines—or face immediate legal consequences.
“If you choose to build a Church, then you must equally build a Mosque, a Hindu temple and our African traditional shrines. Otherwise, we are heading to court,” he declared .Constitution vs. Faith: The Legal FlashpointNjiru’s challenge hinges on Article 8 of the Kenyan Constitution, which explicitly prohibits the establishment of a state religion.
He contends that government involvement in building a church contravenes this fundamental principle, threatening to undermine Kenya’s religious neutrality . His position: if one faith receives preferential treatment, all must—and constitutionally should—be accorded the same.
President Ruto’s Defiant Defense.
President Ruto, speaking Friday evening during a visit from Embu County officials, confirmed his decision to build the church within State House—a move he asserts is fully funded with his own personal resources.
“Mimi ni mtu naamini kwa Mungu… I have no apology… na hakuna mtu nitaomba msamaha,” he emphasized . He characterized the initiative as an expression of his personal faith rather than a government-driven religious agenda.
Rising Tensions & Public Backlash.
The announcement has sparked a fierce national debate. Notably, Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, condemned the plan, stating it is “completely out of order” and that State House land and funds do not belong to Ruto .
Meanwhile, Muslim leaders have warned that a church on State property might prompt demands for a mosque, further intensifying the stakes .
Implications & What Comes Next.
Legal challenge: Njiru’s lawsuit could trigger a high-stakes constitutional review, examining the line between personal faith and state action.
Political fallout: Religious and political leaders are likely to intensify their protests, united by concerns over secularism and equal treatment.Public sentiment: The move is already causing ripples at grassroots levels, where citizens are questioning whether a diverse, multi-faith nation can tolerate perceived favoritism.
Why This Matters Now.
This controversy cuts to the core of Kenya’s constitutional promise of religious freedom and equality. Should Njiru proceed, the courts, lawmakers, and public will face a critical test: is State House a private domain for personal worship or should it remain strictly secular? The outcome could set a powerful precedent.
Watch this space: Expect summons, court filings, religious protests—and nationwide dialogue on the boundaries of faith and state. This story is unfolding fast; stay tuned for legal filings, reactions from religious communities, and the government’s official response.
