The Catholic Church led by Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde on Wednesday, May 3, made unprecedented departure from an earlier call by Nyeri Archbishop Antony Muheria for regulation of churches in the country.
Kivuva was speaking at Ufangamano House after resolutions were made by religious leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM).
The Catholic Church stated that it was wrong for the government to regulate churches which was in contrast with a statement it made on Wednesday, April 26.
“We find the narrative being driven that churches, and by extension, religion, need to be regulated is a facade meant to divert attention from the real problem, which is that the state has failed to play its role of dealing with the crime committed at Shakahola,” Kivuva read a statement on behalf of KCCB, NCCK and SUPKEM.
Kivuva stated that while churches needed an audit, it could only happen internally and not be instigated externally by the government.
“We are continuing with internal consultations to structure self-regulation guidelines that will cater for all religions in the country. We will share these in due course,” the Church stated on how it planned to act following the revelation that the cult led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
To weed out mushrooming cult sects in Kenya, Muheria had implored the government to do a thorough audit of churches across the country.
“There should be an audit of all churches and religious leaders in Kenya. I will lead in declaring my worth to the public.
“This is the only way we protect Kenyans from rogue religious leaders. God is not a magician that can promise wealth without hard work," the bishop had stated back then in his capacity as a church leader.
On Sunday, April 30, President William Ruto announced that he was going to institute a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe the Shakahola cult deaths.
The move was opposed by a section of Kenyans who claimed the Head of State was curtailing freedom of religion as envisaged in the Kenyan Constitution.
The Constitution through Article 32, prohibits religious discrimination and protect religious freedom, including the freedom to practice any religion or belief through worship, teaching, or observance, and to debate religious questions.
“Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching or observance, including observance of a day of worship,” Section 2 of the Article reads in part.
