Religious organizations Bill 2024 faces backlash from clergy, faith leaders

In Nairobi, leaders from the Pentecostal Association have outrightly rejected the bill, demanding its withdrawal.

Pastor Habil Olembu of Arena Miracles Covenant Church voiced the sentiments of many, stating, “We demand that the church be respected. 

The church can exist without the government, but the government cannot exist without us.”

Among the contentious provisions in the bill is a proposal requiring churches to pay taxes on income, gifts, or profits generated from lawful activities.

 According to the bill, these revenues would not be exempt from taxation unless entirely allocated to charitable causes.

This proposal has raised serious concerns among clergy members.

Bishop John Omolo, Secretary of the Bishops Council, expressed frustration over the lack of public participation in the bill's formulation, stating, “We are demanding thorough public participation. If none was done, we will go back to the drawing board; otherwise, we will seek legal redress.”

Bishop Kamuri Muya, Chairperson of the Bishops Council, emphasized the importance of involving religious leaders in regulatory discussions: 

“We are not opposed to regulation, but we want to be part of creating stringent laws that make us comfortable.”

The bill also includes penalties for non-compliance, with individuals contravening the provisions facing fines of up to 5 million shillings or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

Another contentious aspect is the proposal to establish a theological training curriculum and a code of conduct for religious leaders. 

Mungatana stated that the Religious Organizations Bill 2024 aims to curb extremism and address the challenges posed by unregulated religious organizations that have emerged in recent years.

The ongoing debate highlights the need for dialogue between lawmakers and religious leaders to ensure that any regulations respect the autonomy of religious organizations while addressing legitimate concerns.