President Ruto pledges Sh20m for construction of Jamia Mosque

President William Ruto has pledged Sh20 million toward the construction of the Kisumu Jamia Mosque, responding to calls from Muslim leaders for a modern place of worship in the city.

Speaking on Friday, March 20, 2026, during an Eid-ul-Fitr luncheon at Kisumu State Lodge, he said the funds would serve as a starting amount, with further fundraising to be organised by the community and government officials to ensure the project’s completion.

“You have said that we should build a mosque called Jamia. I will give you Sh20 million as a starting amount. After that, you will organise another fundraising effort to help push this matter forward,” Ruto said.

He added that Muslim Cabinet Secretaries would also participate in mobilising additional funds.

The luncheon, which marked the end of Ramadan, attracted prominent political and religious leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Kisumu Governor Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Interior PS Raymond Omollo, ODM Leader Oburu Oginga, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Kisumu West MP Rozaah Buyu, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir, and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

Kisumu turned into a hub of activity as Muslim men and women gathered to celebrate Eid with the Head of State, enjoying meals and calling for peaceful coexistence and unity across religious lines. Speakers emphasised the importance of overcoming differences and strengthening communal harmony.

During his address, President Ruto also encouraged Kenyans to remain prayerful and resilient, highlighting that his government had stabilised the economy. He noted that he would now respond directly to critics, after two years of silence.

“I will deal with them. You know these people have been insulting me for two consecutive years,” Ruto said.

Oburu used the occasion to raise concerns about recurring floods in Kisumu, which he said were predictable but often treated as emergencies due to poor planning and a lack of mitigation.