As the High Court gears up to hear a petition seeking to halt the controversial construction of a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House. Justice Lawrence Mugambi has set July 24 as the date for the hearing, a decision that brings a critical spotlight to issues of public participation, constitutional adherence, and the use of state resources.
The petition, filed by advocate Levy Munyeri, was certified as urgent by Justice Mugambi, who promptly directed its physical filing within three days and ordered responses within seven. Munyeri, an advocate of the High Court, is seeking an immediate order to cease the construction exercise, expressing strong confidence that the court will uphold justice for those who oppose the project.
In a brief statement following the court's directives, Munyeri shared his optimism: "In Constitutional Petition No. HCCHRPET/E421/2025, the High Court has certified urgent my application seeking to stop the construction of the mega-church at State House, Nairobi. Further directions are slated for 24th July 2025." His resolute assertion that "The construction is going nowhere" underscores the petitioner's firm belief in the merits of his case.
Central to Munyeri’s petition are grave allegations that the construction exercise, spearheaded by the President, constitutes a violation of the Constitution and has been deliberately shrouded in secrecy. These claims raise fundamental questions about transparency and accountability in the use of public resources, particularly for projects associated with the highest office in the land.
Furthermore, Munyeri specifically argued before the court that despite State House being unequivocally public property, there was a glaring absence of proper public participation in the decision-making process for building the church. This point is crucial in a democratic society, where major public projects are expected to undergo thorough consultation with citizens. The petitioner also highlighted that Parliament was bypassed in making the decision to construct the church, suggesting a potential circumvention of established legislative oversight mechanisms.
The petition’s core demand is for the court to issue conservatory orders, effectively suspending the construction of the church. Such orders, if granted, would prevent further work on the project until the substantive legal arguments are heard and determined, ensuring that any alleged constitutional breaches are not further compounded.
The proposed Ksh1.2 billion church project at State House has been a subject of public debate and contention, with various voices questioning its necessity and the allocation of such a substantial amount of public funds. Critics often argue that in a nation grappling with economic challenges and pressing social needs, prioritizing such a costly religious edifice on public land is not an appropriate use of taxpayers' money. The lack of transparent processes and public consultation surrounding the project has only fueled these concerns.
