Kenya’s High Court has issued conservatory orders halting the construction of permanent religious buildings, including a proposed church at State House in Nairobi and similar facilities at official state lodges across the country. Justice Enock Mwita granted an 81-day suspension after finding that the case raises weighty constitutional questions about the separation of religion and state. The petition, lodged on 20 August by Transparency International Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and two other civil-society groups, argues that building houses of worship on state property could breach the constitutional requirement for religious neutrality in government affairs. The respondents, which include the Office of the President and the State House Comptroller, have seven days to file their responses. The court scheduled a hearing for 18 November to allow parties to highlight their submissions. The conservatory orders will remain in force until the court delivers a substantive ruling or further directions, effectively pausing President William Ruto’s plan to erect the church within the State House grounds.