- They urged both Parliament and the presidency not to give a nod to the report not only for the church’s best interests, but the country’s too.
- The team chaired by Rev Mutava Musyimi said the existing legal framework has gaps and does not adequately address religious extremism in the country.
Image: GEORGE OWITI
A section of the clergy from Central and Lower Eastern regions have rubbished the recommendations by the presidential taskforce on regularisation of religious organisations.
Under umbrella organisation christened Gikuyu, Embu, Meru and Akamba (GEMA) Unity Forum, the men of cloth said the recommendations contained in the final report of the taskforce would kill the church if implemented.
They urged both Parliament and the presidency not to give a nod to the report not only for the church’s best interests, but the country’s too.
“The taskforce has recommended lots of things which we are opposed to as the clergy from Central and Lower Eastern region including vetting of the clergy and re-registration of religious organisations," they said.
"We urge the President to decline assenting to the report as it is,” Beura Clergy United Association national chairman James Munga said.
The church leaders spoke during a joint presser at Mlolongo in Machakos county on Tuesday.
“The recommendations will cause problems to the church, we are being gagged as a church,” Munga said.
Munga told President William Ruto not to allow the task force develop enmity between the Church and himself.
“We have rejected the taskforce’s recommendations, we don’t want the Church to be vetted,” he added.
He said they were not involved by the taskforce to give their views on the issues hence there was no public participation.
Dr Nicholas Ikui said the recommendations violate freedom of worship.
"Any changes should be subjected to a referendum. Some churches were established before Kenya got her independence. So, I wonder how such would be registered afresh,” Ikui said.
The taskforce recommended the formulation of an appropriate policy framework to deal with religious extremism, sects, cults and other similar outfits in Kenya.
The team chaired by Rev Mutava Musyimi said the existing legal framework has gaps and does not adequately address religious extremism in the country.
They said formulation of an appropriate policy framework would give guidelines on self-regulation and government oversight and ensure transparency and responsible practices by religious organisations.
The team also proposed formation of a Religious Affairs Commission to develop a code of conduct and model constitution for adoption and use by religious organisations.
“However, given that the legislative process for a new legal framework may take some time, there is a need to put in place interim measures to address the existing and emerging challenges,” the task force notes in the report.
Ruto formed the task force in May 2023, following the discovery of mass graves at the Shakahola forest in Kilifi county believed to contain bodies of followers of pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International church.
The clergy also called for the unity of both clergy and political leaders from the two regions.
“We believe in solid Christians’ doctrine of unity, great commission, vision and disagree to agree philosophy. We confirm that there are ongoing consultations on reviving our fathers dreams of Gikuyu, Embu, Meru and Akamba unity orchestrated by the current divisions in our region and country at large,” Bishop Robert Musili said.
“We call on our key political leaders to join us all beginning with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka among other leadership fraternity to embrace and honour the few or common collective goals. Let’s walk, learn and grow together,” Musili said.