Nyanza religious leaders protest over Government plan to regulate churches

Nyanza, Kenya: Clerics from Nyanza have condemned the Government's bid to regulate churches in Kenya.

Last week, the Nyanza regional co-ordinator, Francis Mute, said the Government was set to develop a system of registration to check the mushrooming of religious organisations in Western Kenya.

And yesterday, the clerics said the Government should know the Church performed the vital function of preaching peace and creating employment.

The clerics told the Government there was no crisis in the country that warranted putting the nation in a panic.

SINGLE CASE

"What occured at Salvation and Healing Ministries is a single case that does not warrant generalisation of all religious institutions. If a single person has broken the law, let him be dealt with according to the law," Nyanza Council of Church leaders chairman Bishop Washington Ogonyo said.

They added religious institutions were registered under the Societies Act and if any of them had breached the tenets of that registration, then due process should be followed.

Meanwhile, Kakamega's African Divine Church Archbishop John Chabuga has asked county leaders to work in harmony for the benefit of residents.

"Fights in the counties are stifling development. The country will come to a halt if the leaders continue fighting over small issues," he said.

Speaking at the church's headquarters in Boyani, Hamisi constituency, Chabuga said the church aimed to curb challenges hindering effective attainment of quality education.