Church leaders reject Religious Organisations Bill, defend freedom of worship

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana. [File, Standard]

A section of the church is opposed to a Bill that seeks to impose tough regulations on matters religion.

Drafted by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, the Religious Organisations Bill of 2024, provides a regulatory framework, tough conditions for registration, and harsh punishment for rogue operators.

Under the umbrella of Pentecostal Voices of Kenya, the clergy say the proposed Bill if passed into law will infringe their rights to worship.

Led by Apostle Peter Manyuru, the chairman of the group, the clerics argued that if enacted, the move would disrupt the freedom of worship, which is very core of their mission to offer hope and spiritual guidance to the nation.

At the heart of the church's opposition is a clause which criminalises preaching the gospel and making new converts.

“A person shall not establish, manage, operate, assist in the establishment, management or operation of a religious organisation or an umbrella religious organisation unless the organisation is registered,” reads the Bill. 

The Bill proposes heavy penalties of up to Sh10 million in fines or imprisonment of up to five years, or both for those found to have violated the law. 

Particularly troubling church leaders is the provision in the bill that forbids gospel preachers from ministering to children.

The Bill, which also gives counties power over internal church affairs and requires churches to re-register.

According to the men and women of cloth, this will grant politicians the authority to intrude into church matters, which many clergy believe could intimidate pastors who speak out on bad governance.

"Why should politicians dictate how we run our churches? The church should be free to speak truth to power without fear of political retaliation," stated Manyuru.

According to the Apostle, church supports the government by fostering an environment that allows cohesion and brotherhood. 

"The politicians have failed to manage projects under CDF, and now they want the pulpit. If they can't handle their own responsibilities, why are they opposing us from preaching and guiding the next generation?" said Manyuru of Jesus Teaching Ministry.

Bishop Dr James Munga said, they believe the move to regulate the gospel is a direct attack on the next generation by preventing children from growing up in a solid moral and spiritual foundation.

"What kind of society are we endorsing if we allow this Bill to pass? Are we going to let our children stray, get exposed to the harsh realities of the world without the church's guidance?" he posed.

Bishop Robert Mbukwa of Mission to Heaven Ministry, called  on government to engage churches in dialogue rather than pushing for laws that undermine their independence.

"President Ruto, you were elected by the church, and the same Christians your party is now targeting. We understand you plan to return to evangelism after your presidency; don’t let your legacy be that of a leader who allowed religious organisations to be extinguished," stated Mbukwa.

The clerics threatened not to allow politicians and government functionaries to use church pulpits for their personal agendas.

“We are ready to defend our right to worship. The church is where people come for solace, and we won’t allow politicians to take that away from us,” said Mkubwa.