Coast clerics state why they oppose religious organisations bill

The Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) Coast regional chapter has come out strongly against a proposed law on religious organisations.

EAK Coast leaders expressed grave concerns about the 2024 Religious Organisations Bill, sponsored by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana bill.

The leaders said they were concerned that the bill imposes unjust limitations on religious activities such as evangelism, restricting leaders from fully engaging with their congregations. They argue that it duplicates existing regulations, such as the requirement for religious organisations to provide audited accounts.

One of the key provisions in the bill criminalises religious leaders who use deceit to extort money from their followers. It proposes stiff penalties for offenders, including fines of up to Sh 5 million or 10 years in prison. This measure, according to Mungatana, aims to protect vulnerable individuals from being manipulated by religious leaders who promise divine blessings in exchange for money.

Speaking at a press briefing at Nyali Baptist Church in Mombasa, they accused Mungatana of rushing the legislation without adequately engaging stakeholders.

Christian doctrine

They especially questioned Mungatana’s awareness of Christian doctrine, saying he lacks the moral authority to spearhead the regulation of churches.

“Senator Mungatana has been ill-advised” and the Church “totally rejects the senator’s bill in its entirety”, said EAK Mombasa county chapter chairperson Bishop Stephen Anyenda (pictured), flanked by the chair of the Mombasa Pastors Fellowship, Zacharia Mwagandi.

The leaders argued that, in its current form, the bill threatens religious freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution.

“The bill blindsided us,” said Bishop Anyenda, “especially considering that religious leaders had supported the presidential task force that was set up to review the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations in Kenya.”

They leaders emphasised the positive role religious institutions have historically played in shaping Kenya’s social and economic landscape.

“Religious organisations complement the government’s efforts in peacebuilding, healthcare, education, and even job creation,” Anyenda noted.

He acknowledged that while some individuals have abused religious platforms, the majority of religious institutions have been integral to building a better nation.

The bill, tabled in the Senate on September 11, seeks to establish a legal framework for registering and regulating religious bodies.

’Real issues’

But the EAK leaders expressed concerns that the proposed law fails to address real issues, particularly failures of government entities, including the police, whose negligence led to tragedies like the Shakahola massacre.

Pastor Zacharia Mwagandi pointed out that the bill violates constitutional principles, particularly Article 10, which mandates public participation in legislative processes.

“Key stakeholders, including religious leaders, were left out during the bill’s drafting. This is a clear breach of the Constitution,” Mwagandi said.