President Ruto Affirms No State Regulation of Kenyan Churches
President William Ruto has made it clear that his government will not interfere with religious activities in Kenya, emphasizing the protection of freedom of worship as enshrined in the country's Constitution. Speaking at the AIC Milimani Church, Ruto addressed concerns about the proposed Religious Organisations Bill (2024), which has stirred considerable debate, especially among religious leaders. The bill, tabled by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, seeks to regulate religious institutions, introduce a code of conduct, and establish a Religious Affairs Commission (RAC) to oversee religious practices.
In the wake of the Shakahola massacre, where over 400 people tragically lost their lives due to the manipulative actions of a religious extremist group, the need for reforms in religious organizations has become more pressing. A task force was established to identify the gaps that allowed such extremist organizations to thrive. One of the key recommendations was the creation of the RAC, a body that would oversee the registration and operations of religious organizations. However, this proposal has drawn strong reactions from religious leaders, who argue that it threatens the autonomy of religious institutions and could interfere with their traditional practices.
Addressing these concerns, President Ruto assured the public that his administration has no intention of enforcing state regulation on religious matters. He reaffirmed that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees freedom of worship, and this fundamental right will be fiercely protected under his leadership. "The preamble of our Constitution begins with an invocation of God, and as a God-fearing nation, we will continue to uphold the freedom of worship without compromise," he stated.
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Instead of state oversight, Ruto encouraged religious leaders to develop their own self-regulation mechanisms to ensure responsible conduct within their organizations. He emphasized the need for religious leaders to take charge of regulating their activities, ensuring that freedom of worship is maintained while also preventing future instances of religious extremism.
The Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, however, proposes stricter oversight, including a mandatory registration system for religious bodies, financial transparency measures, and penalties for non-compliance. The bill suggests that religious institutions should provide financial returns and keep records of members, with fines or jail terms for non-compliance. Despite the potential benefits of curbing religious abuse, many religious leaders argue that the bill infringes on their independence and threatens the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
Ruto's stance on this issue reflects a careful balance between maintaining the country’s constitutional freedoms and addressing the concerns raised by incidents like the Shakahola massacre. By entrusting religious leaders with the responsibility to self-regulate, the president hopes to maintain Kenya's commitment to religious freedom while avoiding undue government interference.
In his address, Ruto also called on religious leaders to continue praying for the country's unity and prosperity. At a time when the political landscape in Kenya is particularly tense, he emphasized the importance of prayer and unity, steering clear of current controversies such as the ongoing efforts to impeach his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Ruto’s message was clear: Kenya will remain a God-fearing nation, upholding its religious freedoms while encouraging responsible leadership within religious communities. This stance is likely to resonate with many, especially those concerned about potential government overreach into religious affairs, as the debate around the bill continues.
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