The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya has expressed concern over plans to build a new church on government property.
An 8,000-person capacity church is set to be constructed on the grounds of State House, Nairobi—the official residence of the Kenyan president. However, the Most Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit has warned that the move could give President William Ruto excessive influence over church affairs.
President Ruto says he is personally funding the construction and envisions a “God-fearing government.” He is known for his devout Christian faith, which many believe contributed to his electoral success among Kenya’s majority-Christian population.
However, the Kenyan constitution currently requires the government to maintain 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 Ole Sapit said.
Tensions center on whether the new building effectively establishes Christianity as the state religion.
Catholic Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi has warned that the chapel could prioritize one denomination over others, while Muslim leaders have challenged the president to also build a mosque at State House to demonstrate religious 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 Church of Kenya for comment.