Clergy urge government to halt push for religious bill

Clergy under the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya have called on the government to stop the push for drafting a religious organisations policy following the withdrawal of the Religious Organisations Bill 2024.

The clergy say the church has legitimate concerns over freedom of worship, adding that such a policy could be used to silence churches and non-governmental organisations.

Speaking in Nairobi, Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Secretary General Habil Olembo said the bill, which was withdrawn by its sponsor, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, created several vague offences that could be used to harass religious leaders and NGOs.

Chairman Peter Manyuru said the government failed to involve the church as a key stakeholder during discussions on the bill. He added that the church and the media serve as society’s watchdogs and should not be silenced.

The officials also criticised the demolition of houses linked to the affordable housing project, saying the government should first provide alternative shelter to affected residents.

“They have opted to vilify the church and arbitrarily enact draconian bills and regulations that trample over the freedom of worship and muzzle the church. Kama kanisa tunasema hii bill haiwezekani,” Olembo said.

Manyuru said the government should instead channel its energy towards addressing the problems facing Kenyans.

“If you can use the same force, the same energy that you are using to curtail the church in solving the problems of Kenyans, I want to say Kenya will be very far,” he said.