THE ongoing discussion about the Religious Organizations Regulation Bill has caused some tension between the church and the government. Many religious leaders across the country are upset, calling the proposed law an attempt to limit religious freedom and take away the church's independence.
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In Awasi, Bishop Clement Oguta, who is the regional chairman of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), led a group of clergy in criticizing the bill.
He said the law is an unnecessary interference in the internal affairs of religious groups.
"The Church manages itself well, with strong leadership and a long history of moral responsibility. The government should focus on working with us to promote good governance and national unity," Bishop Oguta explained.
He reminded lawmakers that the Church has supported them during elections and urged them to stand by the Church, rejecting what he called a legislative plan that harms the relationship between the Church and the government.
The Religious Organizations Regulation Bill is currently being reviewed by a parliamentary committee.
The law aims to improve the registration, financial reporting, and operational standards of all religious organizations in the country.
If the law passes, all churches, mosques, and faith-based groups will need to:
- Register with a government authority.
- Submit annual financial reports and reveal where their money comes from.
- Ensure that all clergy have proper training and are accredited.
- Undergo regular audits and evaluations to ensure accountability.
Supporters of the bill claim it is needed now, as there are concerns about financial wrongdoing, harmful religious practices, and groups that have tricked or harmed followers.
Government officials say the law is meant to protect the public and restore trust in religious institutions.
They point to cases where unscrupulous religious leaders have used false teachings, taken money from followers, or conducted unsafe rituals, arguing that these incidents show the current self-regulation system is not enough.
A bill like this isn't against religion.
It's meant to protect Kenyans from abuse, just like we regulate other professions," said a parliamentary official connected to the committee.
Supporters also say that regulating religious groups will improve transparency, stop money laundering, and align the faith sector with national financial laws.
However, the Church sees the law as an attack on constitutional rights to freedom of religion.
Religious leaders argue that government oversight would weaken the long-standing independence of religious groups and could allow political control over spiritual issues.
Bishop Oguta warned, "This bill will give future governments a way to control what is said from the pulpit.
It risks using regulation to silence the Church’s moral voice.
They claim that the Church already has internal systems, such as councils and theological associations, that handle discipline and ethical behavior among ministers.
If the law is passed, every religious organization will have to re-register within a certain time and follow new rules or risk losing their license.
Critics warn that many small community churches could be shut down if they can't meet financial or educational requirements, or if they fail due to bureaucratic issues.
Legal experts also say this bill could lead to legal challenges, as faith groups might take the case to court under Article 32, which protects freedom of conscience, religion, and belief.
As Parliament prepares for public hearings, both the government and religious leaders are under pressure to find a solution.
Bishop Oguta called for dialogue instead of conflict, suggesting that resources should be used to strengthen existing partnerships instead of creating new oversight bodies.
"The Church and the government have always worked together for the benefit of the people. Let's build on that partnership instead of breaking it," he said.
Bishop Oguta, who was joined by friends from Norway, was speaking during a youth tournament at Angoro primary and junior secondary school.
This event is meant to promote peace and unity between the Luo and Nandi communities in the area around Kisumu and Nandi counties.
For now, the future of the controversial bill is unclear as Kenya moves toward a new balance between faith and regulation, with the result likely to shape the role of religion in the country for many years to come.