The Archbishop of the Kenyan Anglican Church has expressed concern over plans to build a new church on government land.
An 8000-person capacity church is set to be built in the grounds of State House, Nairobi - the official residence of the Kenyan president. However, Most Revd Jackson Ole Sapit has expressed concern that this could give President William Ruto extensive overreach into church life.
Ruto says he is personally funding the construction – and has a vision for a “God-fearing government.” The president has a devout Christian faith, which many attribute to his electoral success among Kenya’s majority-Christian population.
Yet at present, the Kenyan constitution requires the government to take a neutral stance on religion.
“The church is a sanctuary to worship God, and it is supposed to be set apart from any unholy use, representing God’s kingdom. When you have a church in State House, which kingdom does it represent?” Archbishop Jackson said.
Tensions centre around whether the building makes a de facto establishment of Christianity as Kenya’s state religion.
Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyoloof Nairobi has warned that the chapel could prioritise one denomination over others, whilst Muslim leaders have challenged the president to also build a mosque at State House, to prove his inclusivity.
Senior presidential advisor Dennis Itumbi responded to Archbishop Ole Sapit, with a statement saying: “By tradition, geography, and divine proximity, [the Anglican Archbishop] already is” the State House Bishop
Premier has reached out to the Anglican Communion, Kenya for comment.