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President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the government is fully committed to protecting and defending religious freedom.

Speaking during a church service at AIC Milimani in Nairobi on Sunday, October 6, 2024, the president noted that his administration respects the constitution, therefore they will defend the freedom of worship.

The president, whose remarks come amid ongoing proposed regulations on religious activities, added that those pursuing the regulation exercise should remember that the constitution is very explicit on the freedom of worship and that there will be no compromise.

He additionally underscored that legislators should allow religious leaders to develop how they want to regulate themselves.

“As a government, we respect the constitution; the preamble of the constitution of Kenya says God of all creation, meaning we surrender to God, that is why Kenya shall continue to be a God-fearing nation and we will defend the freedom of worship in our republic, we will make sure we don’t compromise and there will be no limitations of compromise of freedom of worship in Kenya.

“I know there are proposals that have been made in some quarters about regulation of the church and religious activities, I want to remind those who are pursuing that kind of exercise that the constitution of Kenya is very explicit on the freedom of worship and there will be no compromise whatsoever, there will be no limitation whatsoever on the freedom of worship in Kenya because apart from what the constitution provides, we are a god-fearing nation,” the president said.

The proposal known as the Religious Organisations Bill of 2024 was drafted by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, and seeks to implement strict conditions for the registration of religious centres and impose penalties on those who violate the rules.

The church strongly opposed the bill saying it would affect their rights to worship if implemented. The clergy also expressed concern that if passed, the bill would pave the way for politicians to interfere with the church, restraining them from criticizing the government.

“Why should politicians dictate how we run our churches? The church should be free to speak truth to power without fear of political retaliation,” Apostle Peter Manyuru said.