President William Ruto has come under sharp criticism after recent reports revealed that he was planning to construct a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House.

According to an article by Daily Nation, the church is expected to have a seating capacity of 8,000 and cost an estimated Sh1.2 billion. The publication could, however, not conclusively ascertain whether the construction would be entirely funded by Kenyans.

According to Nation, the design and structure of the building depicted the church adorned with crosses and tall stained-glass windows.

However, the Friday morning news has elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans and other leaders who have since accused the president of having misplaced priorities.

Among the most vocal opponents are Mumias East lawmaker Peter Salasya, who issued a blistering open letter to the president.

“Mr. President, Kenya is a secular republic. Article 8 of our Constitution spells it out: ‘There shall be no state religion. ' You are not just the leader of Christians. You are also the president of Muslims, Hindus, traditionalists, atheists, and every other belief system in this country,” Salasya wrote.

The presidential hopeful blamed Ruto for allegedly being disconnected from the realities of ordinary Kenyans who have more important needs than building them a church.

“What I see today under your leadership is a government that uses religion to hide behind accountability,” he said.

Salasya's comments were backed by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, who also criticised the president, accusing him of defrauding Kenyans with his numerous constructions, from renovating the state house to the new church construction.

“Kenya bleeds, but you chose to turn the statehouse into an active construction site. Talk of an administration with misplaced priorities! From endless statehouse renovations to now constructing a Ksh1.2 billion church in State House. Is it because nothing says “servant leadership” like praying in marble while the poor dig graves with bare hands,” the lawyer continued.

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Canada-based lawyer Miguna Miguna also opined on the construction and called for an immediate intervention to stop Ruto from what he termed as 'primitive plunder, misuse of office and barbarism'.

State House has not officially responded to either the reports or the backlash the alleged construction is facing.

According to reports, the church will serve multiple purposes, including hosting national prayer services, diplomatic events, and interfaith ceremonies.