By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 16 May 2026 - President William Ruto has sparked fresh debate, and laughter, after describing the condition of State House when he took office as “juakali”, saying the official residence needed urgent repairs and upgrading.
Speaking during a meeting with religious leaders from Bungoma County at State House on Saturday, Ruto defended ongoing renovations at the presidential residence and the construction of a chapel within the compound.
In a light-hearted address that repeatedly drew laughter from the audience, the President said parts of State House were falling apart when he assumed office.
“That State House you see there was like a juakali setup. I have now fixed it because how can the place where I work have one corner peeling off and falling apart?” Ruto said.
He claimed workers at the residence used to struggle with leaks whenever it rained.
“Sometimes when it rained, people would walk around pretending to sweep water away,” he joked, prompting amusement among the clergy.
Ruto argued that the country’s seat of power should reflect order and dignity, especially considering the large number of people hosted there daily.
“How can I organise Kenya if I cannot organise where I work?” he posed.
The President said criticism over the renovations did not stop him from proceeding with the upgrades, adding that even some critics had started admitting the changes looked good.
“So I said, let me fix it. People made noise about it, and that is okay,” he said.
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The Head of State also addressed the controversial construction of a church inside State House grounds, insisting the facility is meant for staff working within the compound.
Ruto said the existing iron-sheet worship structure was not suitable for such an important national facility.
“We cannot have an iron-sheet church at State House. It is embarrassing,” he remarked.
The planned chapel has previously attracted criticism from sections of the public, with questions raised over funding and the separation of religion and state functions.
However, Ruto maintained that no taxpayer money would be used for the project.
“I have not asked anyone for money to build it, and I have not said it will be built using government money. I will build it together with my friends,” he said.
In another remark that drew laughter, the President said future occupants of State House would be free to remove the church if they wished.
“If someone comes to this State House and does not want the church, they can come and demolish it. There is no problem,” he said.
“But as for me, I will build it.”