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Oliver Musembi and Mathew Ndung’u

Clerics from Thika, Kiambu County, want the government to review its new measures on the re-opening of places of worship. 

They argue that some of conditions are impractical and urged the Inter-Religious Faith Council that has been mandated to oversee the reopening process to relax some of them since clergymen who are aged above 58 years head the church leadership.

 On July 6, President Uhuru Kenyatta set the stage for gradual resumption of congregational worship to take effect.

This includes the phased reopening of places of worship, which will see only 100 congregants allowed into the sanctuaries.

 Sunday Schools and Madrassas shall remain suspended until further notice, and in-person worship shall not include congregants under the age of 13 years or above the age of 58 years or persons with underlying conditions.

Speaking during a thanksgiving prayer meeting attended by area MP Patrick Wainaina at Mugumo-ini Primary School in Thika Town, the clerics, who included bishops, singled-out the age limit for church elders, the number of congregants in attendance per session and exemption of children from worship services.

Led by Rev Joseph Mutunga, 70, of New Life Church in Kiganjo Village, the leaders said elderly persons lead most churches and that allowing the youth to oversee services in their absence will cripple operations.

Daunting task

Others, including Rev Simon Githiora of Makongeni Presbyterian Church and Francis Kilango of Springs of Life Apostolic Ministries, said while they are ready to adhere to the laid-down measures, some of them have proven to be a difficult task.

“It beats logic why the elderly should be barred from attending church service yet they are not restricted from going to bars, supermarkets and other public places,” said Kilango.

 They especially took issue with exemption of children from services, saying the move will set the stage for deterioration of societal vices and erosion of morals among the youth.

 The clerics called for inclusion of all church members so long as there will be social distance, washing of hands, wearing of masks and avoidance of physical contact.

 Wainaina hailed church leaders for their spiritual support in the fight against Covid-19 virus, and pledged to donate hand-washing units to all churches in the entire constituency as a way of supporting the houses of worship to resume operations.

 The MP urged churches to also adopt innovations such as disinfection booths to keep away the deadly virus as the faith leaders strategise on more efficient ways to prevent the spread of disease by re-evaluating common practices in churches, including how people will sit in pews, avoid handshakes and heightening hygiene.