Church leaders intensify pressure on state over proposed regulation

Bishop Patrick Muriithi and Archbishop James Kigia in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga county/ ALICE WAITHERA

Religious leaders from Kirinyaga county have intensified pressure on the government to abandon plans to regulate the operations of churches through the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, warning such moves threaten constitutionally protected freedoms.

Bishops affiliated with the International Council for Gospel Churches have cautioned the Kenya Kwanza administration against state interference in religious affairs, vowing to politically oppose the government should freedom of worship be undermined.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Archbishop James Kigia of the Holy Ghost Churches said the government should focus on dealing with rogue religious leaders who exploit worshippers, rather than imposing blanket regulations that punish genuine churches.

“The proposed Bill is a direct violation of the constitution. Freedom of worship is guaranteed, and we will oppose any move meant to curtail those freedoms,” Kigia said.

He cited Article 32 of the constitution, which guarantees every person the freedom of conscience, religion, belief and opinion, including the right to manifest religion through worship, practice and teaching. He noted that while Article 24 allows limitation of rights, such limitations must be reasonable, justifiable and not blanket in nature.

Kigia said the clergy had expected President William Ruto’s administration to safeguard religious freedoms.

“We had hope that President Ruto would protect the independence of churches, but instead his administration is now seeking to interfere with church operations,” he said.

Another council member, Bishop Patrick Mugweru, argued that existing laws are sufficient to address misconduct in religious institutions.

“The state already has mechanisms to deal with religious leaders who mislead congregants through harmful doctrines,” he said.

Mugweru cited the Societies Act (Cap 108), which requires religious organisations to register and comply with the law, and the Penal Code, which criminalises fraud, incitement and acts likely to cause harm to the public.

He said churches have existed since independence without state control and would continue to thrive despite what he termed unnecessary government intrusion.

“Even now, as the government attempts to curtail freedom of worship, the church will endure,” Mugweru said.

Beyond religious matters, the clergy criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration over what they described as failure to address key challenges facing Kenyans, including the high cost of living and widespread youth unemployment.

The council also defended the presence of politicians in churches, saying political leaders are members of society and should not be barred from places of worship.

“Churches belong to all Kenyans, including leaders. They should not be locked out from addressing citizens,” the clergy said.

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