Alarming clause in Religious Organisations Bill threatens our democracy

A section of the religious sector has raised concern over the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, and Parliament to either delete Clause 62 or amend it to clearly define “political activity.” [File, Standard]

Soon, Kenyans will have an opportunity to weigh in on the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024. Decisions made after this public participation period could permanently reshape the role of religious institutions in Kenya’s civic life.

While there has been much anxiety surrounding the Bill, much of it has been focused on fears, within the religious sector, that the Bill will give the government unprecedented powers to regulate faith institutions. These concerns are valid. But there is a much less discussed - and arguably more dangerous - consequence of the Bill: The threat posed by Clause 62 to the health of Kenya’s democracy.