How a Gardener Turned Bishop Built a Church at State House

In 1983, Bishop Dr. David Nguli Kalua made a decision to change his life.

As a senior gardener at State House, Nairobi, Kalua utilized his skills to construct the first church within Kenya’s most secure compound.

It was a simple mud-walled structure that quickly became a spiritual refuge for staff working under the late former President Daniel Arap Moi.

The church was warmly received by workers and their families, but it did not sit well with State House officials, who dismissed it as unbefitting of the seat of power.

Therefore, the structure was demolished, and Kalua was transferred to the Ministry of Public Works.

What began as a personal act of faith ultimately ended badly for him in his career.

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The Humble Beginnings of David Nguli Kalua

Born in 1937 in Kyamutula Village, Machakos, Kalua was the eldest child of Kalua Kyambo and Lenah Kalakwe.

He grew up in a modest home, picking coffee in Nairobi for a salary of Ksh15 a month before joining the Prisons Service in the 1960s.

Rising through the ranks to Senior Sergeant, he resigned in 1980 to focus on raising his family.

His talent for landscaping later brought him to the State House, where he impressed President Moi with his work in the gardens and floral arrangements.

However, apart from tending plants, Kalua believed in nurturing souls. His decision to establish a chapel at State House was consistent with his personal motto, “suvia kila winakyo” translating to “take care of what you have”.

He saw faith as the foundation of any household, even the nation’s highest office.

Beginning Ministry and Leadership

After leaving government service, Kalua immersed himself fully in church ministry.

In 2003, he founded St. Stephen’s Ministry, which grew to eight congregations across Kitui and Machakos counties.

Moreover, he worked closely with major denominations, including ACK, CITAM, and AIC, and became known as a unifying leader who valued service above titles.

An environmentalist at heart, Kalua also inspired his children to adopt a stewardship mindset. His son, Dr. Isaac Kalua Green, today one of Kenya’s most prominent environmental champions, attributes his passion for trees and climate to his father’s influence.

Kalua’s leadership was recognized both by the church and the government. He received a Head of State Commendation and, in 2018, was conferred a Doctorate in Leadership by the University of America in Kabarnet, alongside 20 other bishops.

Also Read: How Kenya is Losing Ksh900 Billion Yearly as Climate Worsens

His Final years

Despite being diagnosed with diabetes later in life, Kalua remained active and graceful.

In November 2020, he underwent a successful pacemaker procedure, but a sudden heart complication led to his death on December 11, 2020, at the age of 83.

He is remembered as a man who lived simply, served faithfully, and never shied from doing what he believed was right, even when it came at personal cost.

However, his daring act of building a church at the State House is one of the most memorable things about his legacy.

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