The President of Kenya wants to build a new church. Why are Christians opposing it?

Some evangelical leaders in Kenya have backed President William Ruto’s plan to construct a new 8,000-seat chapel at the presidential residence. But other denominations have been highly critical. Daniel Sitole reports

Proposals by Kenya’s President William Ruto to construct a lavish church at the presidential residence in Nairobi have come under heavy criticism.   

The 8,000 person capacity building is set to cost 1.2 billion Kenya Shillings (£7 million).  

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) and others have voiced their concerns. Meanwhile, Muslim groups have asked if the president will also build a mosque for them in the State House. 

“The church is a sanctuary to worship God and separate from unholy use, because it represents God’s kingdom. Which kingdom does the State House church represent?” asked The ACK Archbishop Dr Jackson Ole Sapit 

The unapologetic president has said he is building the church using his own money. “I am not going to seek apologies from anyone for building a church for God. If the devil gets annoyed, let him do whatever he wants,” he said.  

“This will not cost the government of Kenya a…