Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has sharply criticized plans to construct a mega-church within the State House grounds in Nairobi, describing the proposal as a flagrant breach of Kenya’s Constitution and a misuse of public resources disguised as religious expression.

In a strongly worded statement issued on July 7, Omtatah accused President William Ruto of overstepping legal boundaries by allegedly championing the construction of a religious facility on public land.

“Kenya is a secular state. Under the law, you cannot build a church, mosque, temple, or shrine on public property without violating the Constitution,” said the outspoken legislator.

Omtatah also raised concerns over the project's funding, pointing to a Sh3.1 billion allocation tucked under “other operating expenses” in the 2024/2025 State House budget. He claimed the amount significantly higher than past budget estimates lacks transparency and could be a covert fund to bankroll non-essential presidential projects.

“That Sh3.1 billion is a slush fund for anything the President imagines, like that church,” he stated, citing sections of the Public Finance Management Act that require clear itemization of government spending.

He went on to accuse the administration of pursuing self-serving projects while ordinary Kenyans struggle with poverty and unemployment.

The alleged church project comes at a politically sensitive time, with the Ruto government still grappling with public outrage sparked by the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, which forced major revisions to government spending priorities.

Although State House has yet to respond formally to the accusations, President Ruto addressed the matter during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Embu County on Friday, July 4. He confirmed plans to build a chapel within State House but insisted it would not involve taxpayer funds.

“I make no apologies for building churches. I saw the reports today they say I’m building a church inside State House. That’s true,” said Ruto. “But it’s not a government project. I’m using my own money.”

Ruto explained that he found a makeshift chapel made of iron sheets upon assuming office and decided to construct a more dignified, permanent structure.

“I didn’t establish the church; it was already there. I’m simply upgrading it, and it won’t cost the government a single cent,” he said.

A report by the Daily Nation earlier the same day revealed that the planned 8,000-seater facility would include stained-glass windows and large crosses indicating a full-scale religious complex with an estimated cost of Sh1.2 billion.

Critics argue that, regardless of funding source, the project signals growing personalization of the presidency and risks deepening public discontent over fiscal priorities in a struggling economy.