First Lady Rachel Ruto has disclosed that government officials regularly hold spiritual gatherings, including overnight prayer sessions at the State House every Friday. The Atheists In Kenya Society finds this unacceptable. The use of State House for overtly religious activities undermines the constitutional principle of separation of church and State (Article 8).
We would like to remind the First Lady that Kenya is a secular republic that guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion for every individual.
While citizens, including public officials, are free to practice their religion, the State and its official institutions must remain neutral and inclusive. Hosting religious events within State House risks alienating millions of Kenyans who do not subscribe to Christianity and creates the perception of State endorsement of a particular religion.
We urge the Fist Lady, and all leaders to promote unity, inclusivity, and respect for diversity by ensuring that public resources and institutions are not used to advance religious agendas.