Religious leaders have called on the government to include the Pentecostal voice on the proposed rules and regulations that will govern the operations of all churches.
Speaking during the consecration and ordination of Prophet Fred Akama Tent Of Testimonies Ministries International (TOT), Archbishop Arthur Kitonga of the Redeemed Gospel Church said the church should lead by example to the entire society as per the Bible teachings.
Bishop Akama was of the view that no religious group should be left behind in the process and urged the committee to be cautious on how they will come up with laws that will regulate the churches.
“We fully support the government plan of regulating the religious group in Kenya. However all we want is an all inclusive voices of the Pentecostal churches so that no religious group will feel that they were left out in the review process. Remember we are dealing with matter of faith and we need to be careful on how we come up some of the laws that will regulate the religious leaders,” he said.
“Our church is growing and as per the law, we must have a bishop who will be incharge of all the branches both in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. Today as the new bishop I will be responsible for the running of the ministry,” said after his consecration and ordination.
This comes after a 17-member taskforce committee was formed by the Head of State to review legal and frameworks governing religious institutions in the country.
The committee will be chaired by former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Mutava Musyimi.
The team is expected to propose legal and governance changes to prevent religious extremism.
Other members include Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr.) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr.) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto and Dr. Faridun Abdalla will sit on the committee as members.
They will also be 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 will serve as the task force’s joint secretaries.
The task force’s main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organizations to set up shop in Kenya, as well as formulate a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.
It will also formulate proposals on amendments to various laws so as to enable the State to effectively tackle religious cults.
Story by Muraya Kamunde
