Mama Ida apologises over regulation of churches remark

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga’s wife, Mama Ida Odinga was yesterday forced to withdraw and apologise remarks she made at the weekend on the regulation of small churches.

In a statement, Ida (pictured) said remarks she made in Kisumu during a National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) event had been taken out of context.

Speaking during the launch of a book by Archbishop Emeritus Habbakuk Onyango Abongo at the Church of Christ in Kisumu county, Ida called for the regulation of some churches which she said were founded on wrong religious prisms.

“We want worshippers to get quality sermons, that can only be achieved if the bishops and priests are well trained,” she said The remarks did not go down well with some Kenyans who expressed their disappointment, prompting her to apologise for the remarks.

“It’s come to my realisation that my comments haven’t sat well with some members of the church. I sincerely apologise for the discomfort caused as I meant no harm to anyone,” she said.

Amend pleadings She added: “I also wish to state that my position on the training of preachers was also blown out of context. I reiterate that training only makes the service of preaching better and promotes the ministration of the word of God,” she said.

Ida, had, however, received backing from the Atheists Society in Kenya which demanded that churches not run by theologians should be abolished.

Society president Harrison Mumia said churches in Kenya have become commercialised with some institutions selling prosperity with leaders taking advantage of congregants.

“Some congregants will pay the religious leaders because they want to obtain spiritual favors, there is a need to need to enact more specific legislation to govern the religious sector,” said Mumia.