A vocal Nairobi pastor has lamented about Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe to President Uhuru in an open letter.
In a post he shared on his Facebook account on Tuesday, April 28, Pastor Godfrey Migwi argued that Kagwe contravened Uhuru's directive arguing that the head of state did not order churches to be closed.
He further noted that the president had slated Saturday, March 21, as a prayer day further reinforcing his faith in the power of religion.
"Every time we are faced with a crisis as a country, the government, in collusion with religious leaders, call for prayers. You slated Saturday, March 21, 2020, as a national day of prayer. President Uhuru Kenyatta, you asked Kenyans to pray for forgiveness, that’s mean you love God and church.
"At your first briefing towards Covid-19, you just asked Kenyans to avoid gatherings but you never ordered the closure of the church but some people likes of CS Mutahi Kagwe in the name fighting coronavirus ordered the closure of church doors which is against our faith as Christians," stated the pastor.
He further argued that the order to close churches was prohibited by the Bible by quoting Hebrews 10:25 that says 'don't stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the Day drawing near."
He also noted that various joints including restaurants, salons, barbershops, and public transportation had been allowed to operate under some conditions except places of worship.
"The government has given restaurants the green light to reopen to the public for them to eat and drink soft drinks and alcohol from morning to evening on a daily basis.
"Then matatus are operating daily transporting thousands of Kenyans daily, barbershop and saloons are still operating giving services to thousands of Kenyans daily, malls and supermarkets which serve more 10,000 people per day," he pointed out.
In his letter, Migwi also noted that in order to address the situation, he had attempted to reach the president but in vain.
"I don’t want to ask where is the voice of religious leaders in Kenya? I know them very well, they fear and always rebrand themselves holier who can’t challenge or correct when things are not right in the country.
"Sir, I have been trying to reach you via phone but I always kept on hold more than 30mins to be connected but all in vain. My message, in short, allow the church to continue worshiping God but under guidelines from the Ministry of Health," he added.
The state prohibited all church services advising the industry players to exploit other ways of worship including live broadcasting in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus.
