Ruto: 'We stand firm on religious freedom' in face of proposed church regulations
National
By
David Njaaga
| Oct 06, 2024
President William Ruto has affirmed the government's commitment to upholding religious freedom and the Constitution.
His statement comes amid proposed regulations on religious activities.
During a service at AIC Milimani in Nairobi on Sunday, October 6, Ruto said his administration respects the constitution and will defend freedom of worship.
"We will ensure we don't compromise on our values," he noted, adding that there will be no limitations on freedom of worship.
Ruto stated that Kenya is a God-fearing nation and emphasised the need to protect this freedom.
READ MORE
Strategic Nest unveils 2025 Leadership Award Honorees
Nairobi coffee auction fetch Sh1 billion
Fintech milestone as Kenya joins Visa acquiring space
Maragua's Gakoigo stadium sets for Sh700 minion facelift
Kenya's hustle culture: How youth juggle jobs to stay afloat
How broke, hungry Kenyans are suffering in hands of shylocks
Affordable housing lie: Why Ruto's numbers do not add up
Unremitted pensions shoot to Sh14 billion
Clearing firms hope to process more cargo, grow businesses
Shylocks profit from fine print, unending charges, heartlessness
His comments follow opposition from the church against a bill seeking to impose strict regulations on religious matters.
Drafted by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, the Religious Organisations Bill of 2024 proposes a regulatory framework with stringent conditions for registration and severe penalties for violators.
Clergy under Pentecostal Voices of Kenya argue that the proposed bill if passed, will infringe on their rights.
The clerics, led by Apostle Peter Manyuru, contend that the bill would disrupt their mission to offer hope and spiritual guidance.
Their opposition centres on a clause that criminalises preaching the gospel and converting new followers.
The bill proposes penalties of up to Sh10 million in fines or imprisonment for up to five years.
Church leaders are concerned about a provision that forbids gospel preachers from ministering to children.
The bill also grants counties power over internal church affairs and requires churches to re-register.
Clergy fear this would allow politicians to intrude into church matters, potentially intimidating pastors who speak out against bad governance.
"Why should politicians dictate how we run our churches? The church should be free to speak truth to power without fear of political retaliation," said Manyuru.
He explained that the church supports the government by fostering cohesion while threatening to prevent politicians from using church pulpits for personal agendas.