A section of Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches leaders in Nakuru have opposed a move by Government to regulate Religious Organizations through the Proposed Religious Organizations Bill 2024.
The clerics have termed the Bill as dragonian and that it is aimed to persecute the Church.
Addressing Journalists in Nakuru on September 23, 2024, the Evangelical and Pentecostal Bishops said the proposed regulations are punitive.
Led by Bishop John Omollo, they opposed the move saying the Bill will derail the strides made in evangelism.
While noting that indeed there are some rogue clerics, the Nakuru clerics faulted Government for blanket condemnation.
Bishop Omollo pointed out that a few rogue clerics should not cause the whole church to suffer.
“As members of the Evangelical and Pentecostal Churches in Nakuru, we are stating categorically that we oppose the new Bill as it is draconian in nature,. The Bill is opening an avenue for the persecution of the Church” stated Bishop Omollo.
Sentiments echoed by Bishop Kamure Muya.
He said it is wrong for Government to introduce such a Bill that has ill motive without consulting the clergy.
According to him, there is need for public participation concerning the Bill to enable clerics to give their views.
“We reject this Bill. Let there be public participation before anything can be proposed,” he said.
On his part Bishop Abraham Gitu condemned Government said the Bill if allowed, will open a window of it war between the government and the Church.
He added that such should not be allowed in the current dispensation.
“We don’t want there to be a war between Government and the Church through proposed Bill,” he said.
The Church leaders at the same time hinted at moving to court to bar the same.
The new Bill seeks to regulate Religious Organizations.
Under the proposed Bill, religious leaders who operate an unregistered religious organization risk a Sh 5 million fine, three years in jail, or both.
The new Religious Organizations Bill 2024 provides a legal framework by proposing punitive measures for registration and punishment for scrupulous operators of the religious Institutions.
The Bill is sponsored by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana.
