Clergy from the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya (PVK) have called on the government to stop pushing for a new policy on religious organizations, following the withdrawal of the Religious Organisations Bill 2024.
The church leaders say the proposed policy could threaten freedom of worship and potentially be used to silence churches and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Speaking in Nairobi, PVK Secretary General Habil Olembo said the withdrawn bill contained vague offenses that could be exploited to harass religious leaders and NGOs. He warned that such legislation could undermine the church’s role in society.
PVK Chairman Peter Manyuru added that the government failed to involve the church as a key stakeholder during discussions on the bill. He emphasized that both the church and the media serve as society’s watchdogs and should not be silenced.
The clergy also criticized the government’s handling of housing projects, arguing that residents displaced by demolitions should be provided with alternative shelter before enforcement actions.
“They have opted to vilify the church and arbitrarily enact harsh laws that trample over freedom of worship. If the church says this bill is unacceptable, it is because it is,” Olembo said.
Manyuru urged the government to focus its energy on solving pressing problems facing Kenyans rather than curtailing religious institutions. “If you use the same effort you are using to curtail the church to address the problems of Kenyans, the country would advance greatly,” he said.
The PVK leaders are now appealing for inclusive consultations before any future religious policy is proposed, ensuring that the voices of churches and civil society are heard.
