Wamuzi News Ke
In a startling escalation of Kenya’s delicate church–state relations, State House creative czar Dennis Itumbi has publicly declared Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit the “State House Bishop by design,” just hours after the archbishop sounded alarm bells over President William Ruto’s controversial KSh 1.2 billion church project at State House.
Itumbi’s bold assertion landed today, July 5, in a dramatic official statement published by NairobiLeo. He described Ole Sapit as the rightful spiritual overseer of the State House church, arguing the archbishop’s Nairobi residence—including its chapel—is purpose-built and historically intended to support State House worship needs .
According to Itumbi, the church’s location and structure reflect intentional design rooted in Kenya’s colonial past. He urged, “By tradition, geography, and divine proximity—you already are,” framing Ole Sapit’s deference not as controversy but as fulfilling a prophesied role .
This scathing rebuke follows earlier this morning, when Archbishop Ole Sapit challenged President Ruto’s decision to construct a sprawling church on the official seat of executive power.
Speaking to Nation, Sapit warned the build blurred the constitutional line between church and state, raising unsettling questions:
“Will the President be the bishop or leader of this church, as we have seen him recently lead public prayers?”.He cautioned that a worship site inside State House risks signalling a state-endorsed religion—jeopardising Kenya’s secular identity .
President Ruto confirmed the project this week, asserting it will replace an inadequate iron-sheet facility and claiming the funding is entirely personal.
He insists the church underlines a commitment to faith-based governance—but critics argue his move undermines constitutional neutrality .
Why Itumbi’s Declaration Matters.
Spiritual-Public Power Play: Itumbi is not merely defending a church build; he’s elevating Ole Sapit into an official spiritual leadership role within State House—casting the archbishop as a political ally in sacred regalia.Colonial-Era Precedent: He frames it as continuity with colonial policies, leveraging historical precedent to justify the fusion of ecclesiastical authority and executive power .
Constitutional Pressure Point: The move intensifies scrutiny of Ruto’s church project, potentially triggering legal challenges and parliamentary debate over secularism and state entanglement with religion.
What Comes Next?
1. Archbishop’s Rebuttal: Sapit is expected to respond—either to clarify his spiritual independence or step further into political theater.
2. Constitutional Review: Lawyers and constitutional experts are likely to weigh in on whether a State House church violates the secular tenets of the Kenyan Constitution.
3. Public Outcry & Political Fallout: Expect mass media, civil society and faith groups to mobilize, turning the controversy into a high-stakes battleground as the 2027 elections loom.
As Kenya watches, what began as a private spiritual initiative risks morphing into a flashpoint for constitutional sovereignty—raising haunting questions about religious freedom, governance, and the strategic role of the church in presidential politics.
