In a fiery open letter dated July 4, 2025, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has launched a sharp critique against President William Ruto over the reported construction of a Ksh1.2 billion church at State House.

Posted on X with an image of a public gathering, the letter accuses the president of disregarding the Constitution and ignoring the economic plight of Kenyans.

Salasya invoked Article 8 of the Constitution, which affirms Kenya as a secular republic, saying, “There shall be no state religion.”

He argued that using public funds to build a church within the State House—a national symbol—undermines inclusivity and alienates Muslims, Hindus, atheists, and traditionalists.

“Are we to be presented with a mosque, Hindu temple, or shrine in the same ratio?” he asked, calling the project “religious favouritism” and “spiritual show business.”

The MP also tied his criticism to the broader economic context, noting the cost-of-living crisis faced by millions of Kenyans.

Citing high inflation, youth unemployment, and medicine shortages, Salasya questioned the morality of allocating Ksh 1.2 billion to a church.

“Parents cannot afford school fees. Youths are without jobs. Hospitals are out of medicine,” he wrote. “This is a tragic betrayal of the hustlers you once championed.”

While Salasya had already declared his intention to run for president in 2027, the post doubled as a renewed political manifesto.

He recalled his humble upbringing—walking barefoot to school and struggling to pay fees—as evidence of his connection to the common mwananchi. He pledged to deliver a presidency anchored on justice, fairness, and unity.

Salasya accused Ruto’s administration of hiding behind religion to dodge public scrutiny and warned that fusing faith with state power poses a dangerous precedent. “This is how nations descend into religious war and ethnic violence,” he cautioned, referencing global studies on rising backlash in secular countries where leaders blur the line between religion and governance.

He urged the president to abandon the project and redirect the funds toward critical public services such as hospitals, schools, and job centres. Signing off as the “6th President of the Republic of Kenya—2027,” Salasya made a populist appeal to restore power to the people.

The letter has drawn widespread reaction online, with users praising its bold tone and constitutional grounding. However, the State House had not responded to the claims, including whether public funds are indeed being used.

Salasya’s move now places him squarely in the 2027 political spotlight, using a single issue to question not just policy but the direction of the presidency itself.