The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has come out strongly against the government, condemning what it described as a misplaced plan to allocate Ksh1.2 billion for the construction of a church within State House.

In a statement posted on X on July 4, 2025, DAP-K expressed outrage over the decision, pointing to the deteriorating condition of public institutions such as schools and hospitals. The party accused the administration of turning a blind eye to urgent public needs in favor of luxurious state projects.

"Schools and hospitals are in deplorable condition, yet Kaongo is prioritizing a Sh1.2 billion church at State House. This kind of decision-making is precisely what is pushing Kenyans to rise up. It’s disheartening," the statement read in part.

The planned church, intended as a place of worship within the presidential residence, has ignited heated public discourse, with many questioning the government’s spending choices.

DAP-K’s remarks echo growing discontent among citizens who feel abandoned by an administration that appears to prioritize extravagance over essential services.

In many parts of the country, schools are under-resourced, lacking basic facilities, learning materials, and sufficient teaching staff. Public hospitals, too, are overwhelmed, often operating with outdated equipment and frequent medicine shortages.

Meanwhile, neglected road networks and decaying infrastructure continue to stifle economic activity and inconvenience citizens.

Critics say the government ought to channel funds toward addressing these pressing issues instead of financing an opulent religious structure at State House.

This backlash comes shortly after Parliament passed the Finance Bill on June 19, 2025, approving a Sh4.29 trillion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year.

President William Ruto signed the bill into law on June 26, allocating Sh1.805 trillion to recurrent expenditure and Sh744.52 billion to development initiatives.

Although the new budget includes tax breaks such as scrapping deductions on retirement gratuities and raising the tax-exempt limit for per diems from Shh2,000 to Sh10,000, it has sparked widespread protests.

Many fear the bill will increase the cost of living and further burden ordinary citizens.

As of now, it's still unclear whether the controversial Sh1.2 billion church project is part of this newly approved budget, which has already drawn public scrutiny for its potential impact on the average Kenyan.