Kenya’s President Ruto Sparks Debate After Saying Affordable Housing Is Rooted in the Bible
President cites Matthew 25 and Kenya's Constitution as he defends flagship housing programme amid continued criticism
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | August,2026
Kenyan President William Ruto has ignited fresh public debate after declaring that his government’s affordable housing programme is not only a constitutional obligation but also a biblical mandate.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Friends Church (Quakers) at the State House in Nairobi, President Ruto urged Kenyans to read Matthew 25:31–46, arguing that the passage reflects the same principles contained in Article 43 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens economic and social rights, including access to housing, healthcare, food and education.
“Read Matthew 25,” Ruto Urges
Addressing the congregation, President Ruto said the Bible calls on society to care for those in need and linked those teachings directly to his administration’s affordable housing agenda.
“I want you to go and read Matthew 25:31–45. It says, ‘When I was hungry, I did not know if you planned how I would get food. When I was sick, I did not know if you planned how I would get treatment. When I was without clothes, I did not know whether you planned how I would dress. When I had no house, I did not know whether you planned affordable housing. Go and read,” Ruto said.
He argued that the Gospel’s message about caring for the hungry, the sick, the poor and those without shelter aligns with the constitutional responsibility of the Kenyan government to provide essential social services.
According to the President, the Bible and the Constitution complement each other in promoting dignity and improving the lives of citizens.
“So, there is no difference between the Bible and the Kenyan Constitution. Matthew 25 is the same as Constitution Article 43. They go together. The biblical chapter talks about affordable housing, health, and education. The same are addressed in Article 43, which cites housing, health, education, and food. So we must accomplish biblical teachings and the constitution,” the president said.
Affordable Housing Remains a Flagship Policy
The affordable housing programme has been one of President Ruto’s signature initiatives since taking office in 2022.
The government says the programme is designed to reduce Kenya’s housing deficit, create employment opportunities and make home ownership more accessible to low- and middle-income earners. It has also highlighted the project’s role in urban renewal and economic growth.
Supporters argue that the initiative has generated thousands of jobs and accelerated the construction of housing units across the country.
Critics Continue to Raise Concerns
Despite the government’s defence of the programme, it has faced sustained criticism from opposition leaders and some members of the public.
Critics have questioned the implementation of the housing programme and the housing levy used to finance it, while others have challenged the President’s comparison of government policy with biblical teachings.
The remarks have fueled fresh political discussion, with supporters praising the President’s appeal to faith-based values and opponents arguing that public policy should be debated primarily on economic, legal and practical grounds.
Public Debate Continues
President Ruto’s comments have quickly spread across social media and news platforms, generating mixed reactions from religious leaders, political commentators and ordinary Kenyans.
While many welcomed the emphasis on compassion and social responsibility, others questioned whether scriptural references should be used to justify government programmes.
The discussion comes as Kenya continues to grapple with rising housing demand and broader debates over economic reforms and the cost of living.
As the affordable housing programme remains at the centre of national policy, President Ruto’s remarks are expected to keep the conversation alive about the relationship between faith, governance and social development in Kenya.
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