Pentecostal church leaders push for inclusion in task force on regulation of religious institutions

“Well the church has to walk in all holiness and be a good example to the entire society as per the Bible teachings,” says Archbishop Arthur Kitonga of the Redeemed Gospel Church.

He was speaking during the ordination ceremony of Prophet Fred Akama Tent Of Testimonies Ministries International (TOT) into bishophood.

“We fully support the government plan of regulating the religious group in Kenya. However, all we want is an all-inclusive voice of the Pentecostal churches so that no religious group will feel that they were left out in the review process.

"Remember we are dealing with the matter of faith and we need to be careful on how we come up with some of the laws that will regulate the religious leaders,” comments Bishop Fred Akama from the  Tent Of Testimonies Ministries International [TOT].

Earlier this month the head of state picked former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Mutava Musyimi to head the 14-member task force that will serve for six months.

Members of the committee include Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr.) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr.) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto and Dr. Faridun Abdalla will sit on the committee as members.

They will also be joined by Prof. Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega and Wilson Wanyanga.

Martin Ndiwa Talian and Maria Goretti Nyariki will serve as the task force's joint secretaries.

The President added that the task force's main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organizations to set up shop in Kenya, as well as formulating a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.

It will also formulate proposals on amendments to various laws so as to enable the State to effectively tackle religious cults.

The task force will also table proposals on civic education to sensitize Kenyans on the need to avoid religious cultism.

"We must all strive to bring the youth to the body of Christ because the majority of them have given up attending church sessions because of religious cultism that is rampant in Kenya today,” adds Bishop Akama.

The taskforce will also be required to recommend actions that the State may take against individuals and organizations suspected of engaging in extremist religious practices.