Controversial Bill seeking to regulate churches put on hold

Kenya Parliament in session.[FILE,Standard]

After several appeals by the clergy, the controversial Religious Organisations Bill 2024 has been temporarily stopped.

The Bill, which contains sweeping proposals targeting religious organizations, had been undergoing public participation since October, a process drew mixed reactions from religious leaders.

However, a statement from the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi yesterday said the proposal has been paused to allow for more exhaustive public consultation from religious leaders.

The Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya, Pentecostal Voice of Kenya and Muslim leaders, Inter-religious Churches of Kenya, among others, had opposed the Bill.

Religious groups argued that some clauses in the Bill would prevent them from criticizing the government on matters affecting the public.

They also opposed the creation of a Religious Affairs Commission, which the Bill proposes to formulate policies on religious affairs and monitor compliance.

“The Bill was drafted by people with ill intentions as it contains many provisions that undermine freedom of worship, which is guaranteed in the Constitution,” said Bishop Samuel Njiriri, chairman of the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya.

He added, “Those who drafted the Bill ignored public proposals and created a version that allows the government to regulate churches, which should not happen. The Bill’s proposals seem aimed at punishing worshippers.”

The Federation proposed the creation of a joint advisory council with representatives from all umbrella bodies to address matters of religion, instead of establishing a commission with only a few members.

In a recent statement, the Pentecostal Voice of Kenya (PVK) called for the Bill’s complete withdrawal.

“The Bill contains a series of hidden clauses expressed in vague terms that criminalize any association with political leaders, spiritual deliverance and healing, tithing, or critiquing other religious organizations,” PVK said.

“It is likely to be abused by rogue elements to frustrate, intimidate, threaten, and silence the church from speaking on issues affecting the common mwananchi,” the Pentecostals added.

Some clauses in the Bill impose strict requirements for registering religious organizations.