Nairobi — Atheists In Kenya Society has criticised revelations that overnight Christian prayer vigils, known as keshas, are regularly held at State House, warning that the practice violates the Constitution and risks excluding non-Christian citizens.
The backlash follows remarks by First Lady Rachel Ruto during an interview with CBS News, where she described a strong culture of prayer within government and confirmed that "overnight prayers" take place at State House every Friday.
In the interview, the First Lady linked national prayer efforts to Kenya's recovery from drought, recounting how President William Ruto led a "solemn assembly" at a major stadium on February 14, 2023, bringing together clergy, government officials, and citizens to pray for rain and national repentance. She said rains began about a month later and have since supported improved food security, attributing this in part to collective prayer.
'unacceptable'
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But in a statement on Wednesday, the Atheists In Kenya Society termed the use of State House for religious gatherings "unacceptable," citing Article 8 of the Constitution, which bars the establishment of a State religion.
"While citizens, including public officials, are free to practice their religion, the State and its official institutions must remain neutral and inclusive," said the society's President Harrison Mumia.
Mumia argued that holding overtly religious events at the seat of executive power creates the perception of State endorsement of Christianity and risks alienating Kenyans of other faiths--or none at all--in a country that guarantees freedom of conscience, belief, and opinion.
"Hosting religious events within State House risks alienating millions of Kenyans who do not subscribe to Christianity," he said, urging leaders to ensure public institutions are not used to advance religious agendas.
The society further called on the First Lady and government officials to promote inclusivity and uphold constitutional values by keeping State functions separate from religious expression.
