The government is set to enforce strict new regulations on religious institutions following recommendations from a task force formed after last year's Shakahola tragedy.
The task force, led by former Gachoka MP and former NCCK Secretary-General Mutava Musyimi, submitted its comprehensive report to President William Ruto on Tuesday, July 30, at State House Nairobi.
This 14-member task force has proposed several bold measures, including the re-registration of all religious institutions under stringent vetting procedures. These recommendations aim to safeguard the freedom of religion while preventing potential harm to Kenyan citizens.
“The Registrar of Religious Organisations should be empowered under the proposed Religious Organisations Bill to deregister and publicise names of individuals and groups linked to religious extremism, cultic, and occultism practices,” notes the report.
The task force's report outlines a robust framework designed to ensure that religious organisations operate within the law and maintain ethical standards.
Key proposals include enacting statutes specifically for religious organisations, establishing a Religious Affairs Commission, and adopting a hybrid regulatory model that combines self-regulation with government oversight.
In addition, the task force has called for amendments to the Kenya Information and Communication Act and other relevant statutes. These changes aim to enhance the legal framework governing religious activities and address the misuse of religious platforms.
Education also plays a significant role in the task force's recommendations. They advocate for revising the basic education curriculum to emphasise religious tolerance and educate the public on the dangers of religious extremism.
Civic education materials will also be developed and updated to highlight the rights and responsibilities of both religious organisations and citizens, underscoring the risks associated with religious extremism.
To ensure the effective implementation of these recommendations, the task force has drafted a comprehensive Religious Organisations Policy, 2024, a Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, and Regulations of Organisations (General) Regulations, 2024.
President Ruto, who appointed the commission on May 5, 2023, to tighten regulations on religious institutions, expressed his commitment to protecting the freedom of religion while mitigating its potential abuse.
“We will continue to safeguard and protect the freedom of religion, but at the same time mitigate its potential abuse to harm Kenyans,” Ruto stated during the report's presentation.
The task force includes prominent figures such as Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto, and Dr Faridun Abdalla. They are joined by Prof Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega, and Wilson Wanyanga. Martin Ndiwa Talian and Maria Goretti Nyariki serve as the task force's joint secretaries.
The formation of this task force was a direct response to the Shakahola tragedy, which claimed the lives of over 429 people due to what authorities have termed "religious extremism and sinister misrepresentation of faith."
The task force was mandated to identify the legal, institutional, and governance challenges that have allowed the growth of extremist religious organisations and formulate proposals to prevent such entities from endangering public health, safety, and national values.
