Religious leaders in Taita-Taveta County have opposed the government’s intervention in the regulation of churches.
They argue that religious institutions should be overseen by their respective umbrella organizations.
The leaders contend that government involvement in overseeing church activities encroaches upon the realm of religious affairs, which should remain independent as guaranteed by the constitution, allowing Kenyans to freely practice their faith without undue government influence.
Sheikh Abdulaziz Noor, the CIPK County Boss, emphasized that umbrella bodies such as the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) possess sufficient structures and mechanisms to ensure their members’ adherence to the law.
During a public participation meeting with the taskforce responsible for reviewing church-related laws in Mwatate, Mr. Abdulaziz highlighted that those who breach the law within religious institutions should be treated as individuals who have violated the law.
He argued, “The government should empower umbrella bodies to supervise and ensure compliance with religious doctrines among their members. Religion should remain free from government control.”
Notable members of the taskforce, including its chairperson Mutava Musymi, Bishop Eli Rop, and Sheikh Mohammed Dor, were present at the meeting.
Rev. Musyimi affirmed that the government is dedicated to upholding freedom of worship and a non-interference policy for religious organizations, provided they adhere to established laws. He acknowledged that certain individuals exploiting laws governing religious groups have tainted the reputation of faith.
He cited an instance involving Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s extremist teachings that resulted in fatalities among his followers. Rev. Musyimi emphasized that such actions can no longer be justified as religious activities and called for government intervention.
Bishop Ronald Itambo of the Taita-Taveta Bishop Welfare Association, in his petition to the taskforce, expressed churches’ commitment to self-regulation. He proposed that oversight bodies be empowered to enforce rules consistent with religious teachings.
Bishop Itambo also advocated for the creation of an independent office of registrar of churches, separate from the registrar of societies. He argued that categorizing churches alongside other societies has blurred the distinction and unique nature of religious organizations.
All attending leaders supported the idea of a registrar of churches, believing it would enhance oversight of religious activities, especially at the county level.
Rev. Pristone Mwailongo from the Association of Pentecostal and Evangelical Clergy of Kenya (APECK) emphasized the need for religious organizations to be registered by individuals knowledgeable about their operations. This, he asserted, would enable consistent and aligned operation in line with their core objectives.
Furthermore, the leaders proposed the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution body to address conflicts involving churches and other religious groups, bypassing the need for court proceedings.
Bishop Donice Sindano stressed that disputes within religious groups should be resolved through a specialized entity familiar with their dynamics. He noted that legal proceedings often cast religious organizations in a negative light, regardless of the nature of the dispute.
Taita-Taveta County became the fifteenth county to host a public participation event organized by the taskforce. The purpose of these events is to gather public input to fortify and refine laws governing religious groups.
