Church leaders in Kilifi County want the government to withdraw the contentious Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, saying it threatens the freedom of worship guaranteed under the Constitution.

Speaking in Malindi, Bishop Thomas Kakala of Jesus Cares Centre (JCC) and Rev Francis Katana of Christ the King Baptist Church, criticised the Bill, arguing that its provisions could lead to deregistration of churches, closure of places of worship and penalties for leaders that may include fines of up to Ksh5 million or prison terms exceeding three years.

The clergy said the proposed law would impose restrictions on preaching in public spaces and to minors, while disproportionately affecting small and emerging evangelical ministries that lack resources compared to larger denominations. They also questioned enforcement practices, claiming local administrators were harassing churches by demanding registration documents.

The government introduced the Bill following recommendations from a Presidential Taskforce on Religious Organisations that was formed after the Shakahola tragedy in which hundreds of people died in a cult led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.

The Taskforce chaired by former NCCK Secretary-General Mutava Musyimi recommended stricter oversight of religious institutions to prevent exploitation and safeguard vulnerable groups.

Key clauses in the Bill include the mandatory registration of all religious organisations with the registrar of societies, disclosure of funding sources, especially for groups receiving support from abroad and minimum educational and professional qualifications for clergy and imposes restrictions on preaching to minors, without parental consent.

Government officials have defended the Bill as part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring accountability, setting leadership standards and protecting citizens from harmful practices within religious groups.

Bishop Kakala, who is also the patron of Malindi Pastors Fellowship, said the Bill targeted small evangelical churches that start small but grow into big outfits, to the chagrin of established churches with headquarters outside Kenya.

“This Bill should not pass. If it does, we shall mobilise our faithful into prayer and fasting and the outcome will be disastrous to those seeking to persecute the church through draconian legislations,” he warned.

Rev Katana, however, said the Bill should be subjected to genuine public participation with the clergy fully involved, and that only recommendations from public participation forums should be included in the final draft Bill. He warned that religious groups would consider legal action if the Bill is passed.

The clergymen urged Members of Parliament to reject the legislation and appealed to President William Ruto not to assent to it in case parliament approves it. They said they would continue to oppose the Bill through prayers, protests and court petitions.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Emmanuel Masha and Martin Mwangolo