Clergy want constitution amended to provide self -regulation

Religious leaders want the constitution amended to allow churches to establish a self-regulation policy that will govern their operations.

Clergy from various religious organisations, under the United Clergy Alliance, yesterday presented their views to the Building Bridges Initiative task force led by its chairman Yusuf Haji at a Nairobi hotel.

In a move to stem the proliferation of churches, the government froze registration of new churches, vetted existing ones and shut down entities that did not meet the legal threshold to operate.

The move aims at creating an autonomous religious agency to address mounting issues about registration of new churches, taxes, operations and discipline related issues in churches across the country.

Redeemed Gospel Church Presiding General overseer Bishop Kepha Omae proposed equal treatment for all religious and faith-based organisations.

While voicing support for the BBI, United Clergy Alliance Chairperson Bishop Margaret Wanjiru proposed the system of governance with a prime minister. She also opposed the elevation of Kadhi’s court to an appellate court as recommended by BBI.

The clerics asked the government to release the youth from the burden of Higher Education Loans Board by writing off the loans.

Busia Senator Amos Wako, who is a BBI committee member and former attorney general, said they support religious self-regulation, but it should have a legal mechanism and structure in enforcing the law. 

BBI task force held sessions in Nairobi yesterday to collect views from various groups, among them law students, Commission for Revenue Allocation, Kuria community, and Wajir North community.