The Nyanza Council of Church Leaders has unanimously rejected the proposed Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, specifically opposing the taxation of tithes and offerings in places of worship.

They argued that such taxation measures would undermine the church’s mission and financial support for vulnerable groups, such as widows and orphans who they have been helping for years.

The leaders emphasized that these funds are dedicated to God and should remain untaxed, urging the state to reconsider its tough position

The more than 300 interdenominational church leaders argued that funds already dedicated to God should not be subject to taxation, warning that such measures could bring negative consequences for the government.

The church leaders led by Apostle Ogonyo Ngede, chair of the Kisumu County Fellowship clergy, gathered at the Power of Jesus Christ around the World headquarters in Kisumu to address the press on the issue of taxing tithes.

They emphasized the spiritual implications of taxing sacred offerings, calling for the state to withdraw any plans for taxation now.

“We firmly oppose the taxation, because many widows and orphans rely on church support funded by tithes and offerings,’’ said Ngede citing Luke 6:38, as he highlighted the principle that giving leads to receiving in return.

However, Bishop Peter Onyango of Faith Evangelistic Ministries clarified that churches involved in profit-generating businesses, like hotels and schools, should indeed pay taxes, as these activities are not directly related to the mission of the church.

“Those of us who are doing business should honorably accept to pay taxes. This is different from tithes and offerings. Those are profit ventures,’’ he said.