Speaking to the media on Saturday, December 13, the clergy accused President William Ruto’s administration of pushing laws that threaten freedom of worship. They demanded that the proposed amendments be completely withdrawn, saying they were neither consulted nor involved in drafting the Bill.
According to the church leaders, the proposed law is not meant to protect Kenyans but to weaken the voice of the church and other independent institutions. They claim the government is trying to use regulation as a tool to intimidate religious leaders who speak out on social and political issues.
PVK Secretary General Habil Olembo said the Bill is part of a wider plan to undermine the church’s role as a moral watchdog in society.
He argued that instead of working with religious leaders, the government is choosing to label churches as a problem.
“The church is being unfairly targeted,” Olembo said.
“Instead of dialogue, we are seeing attempts to introduce strict laws that limit freedom of worship and silence voices that hold leaders accountable.”
PVK Chairperson Peter Manyuru echoed the same concerns, saying the government’s priorities are misplaced. He urged President Ruto to focus on solving pressing issues such as the high cost of living, unemployment, and economic hardship rather than fighting religious institutions.
“If the same energy used to control the church was used to address the problems facing ordinary Kenyans, this country would be in a much better place,” Manyuru stated.
The clergy fear that the proposed law gives the government too much power over religious organisations. They claim the Bill introduces unclear offences that could easily be used to harass pastors, bishops, and other faith leaders.
One of the major complaints raised is the lack of consultation. The church leaders said they were excluded from discussions despite being key stakeholders. They warned that passing laws without public participation goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
The clergy also expressed disappointment ahead of Jamhuri Day celebrations, saying there is little to celebrate if fundamental freedoms are under threat. According to them, true independence means allowing institutions like the church to operate freely without fear of intimidation.
The proposed Religious Organisations Amendment Bill has a long and controversial history. It was first introduced in 2024 by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana but was later withdrawn after public backlash.
However, the government has since drafted a new Religious Organisations Policy, reportedly based on recommendations from a presidential task force formed after the Shakahola tragedy.
Under the proposed changes, a new advisory board would be created under the Office of the Attorney General, alongside a Registrar of Religious Organisations.
Churches would also be required to adopt strict governance structures, including boards of trustees, with most members being Kenyan citizens.
In addition, new religious groups would need at least 25 members and approval from an umbrella religious body before being registered.
The Bill also seeks to bar religious organisations from engaging in political activities or supporting specific political parties.
While the government argues that the law is meant to promote accountability and prevent abuse, church leaders insist that existing laws are already sufficient. They warn that overregulation risks turning churches into state-controlled institutions.
The clergy have now called for open dialogue between the government and religious leaders, urging authorities to respect the church’s independence and constitutional role. They insist that silencing the church would weaken democracy rather than strengthen it.
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