“If You Can Use the Same Force and Energy to Solve the Problems of Kenyans, I Want to Say Kenya Would Be Very Far,” Clergy Tell President Ruto, Blast New Religious Bill

Members of clergy from the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya (PVK) have criticised President William Ruto over the proposed Religious Organization Amendment Bill 2024.

They claim the government plans to use the Bill to limit the influence and independence of churches.

In a media briefing on December 13, 2025, PVK leaders called for the Bill to be scrapped entirely, arguing that it threatens the church’s constitutional freedom of worship.

“They have chosen to vilify the church and push harsh laws that restrict freedom of worship. These measures are meant to silence religious institutions,” said Habil Olembo, PVK Secretary General.

Peter Manyuru, the Chairperson of PVK, accused the government of focusing too much energy on controlling churches instead of addressing the problems facing ordinary Kenyans.

“If the same energy used to target the church was applied to solving national issues, Kenya would have made huge progress,” Manyuru said.

The clergy also raised concerns that the new Bill could criminalise religious leaders through vague offences, and that churches were not consulted during its drafting.

They warned that silencing the church threatens its role as a key watchdog in society. PVK further criticised the government for celebrating Jamhuri Day while fundamental freedoms, including freedom of worship, remain at risk.

The Religious Organization Amendment Bill was initially sponsored by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana and tabled in the Senate in 2024. However, it was later withdrawn after public backlash.

The government is now working on a new draft, influenced by the recommendations of a Presidential Task Force formed after the Shakahola religious tragedy.

According to the proposed Bill, the government plans to establish an Advisory Board under the Office of the Attorney General and appoint a Registrar of Religious Organisations.

Religious institutions would also be required to have a clear governance structure, including a Board of Trustees, with at least two-thirds of members being Kenyan citizens.

New religious groups would need at least 25 members of the same faith and endorsement from an umbrella religious organisation.

The Bill also seeks to prevent churches from engaging in political activities or hosting debates that support specific political parties.

Church leaders argue that these provisions could restrict the work of religious institutions and limit their role in society. PVK is calling on the government to reconsider the Bill and engage religious stakeholders in meaningful dialogue.

The debate over the Bill highlights growing tensions between the state and religious institutions in Kenya. While the government says the legislation is aimed at improving governance and accountability in religious organisations, many churches see it as a threat to their independence.