Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has withdrawn the Religious Organizations Bill, which sought to impose tough regulations on churches.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mungatana, who sponsored the bill and previously chaired the Senate Taskforce on the Shakahola Massacre, said the decision followed extensive consultations with religious leaders across the country.
“I wish to confirm that we have written to the Speaker to withdraw the bill. This decision has no connection to the ongoing criminal court cases against Mackenzie and others,” said Mungatana.
The senator was accompanied by leaders of 26 registered umbrella bodies, who also agreed to withdraw court cases they had filed challenging the bill.
The clergy further committed to establishing a Self-Regulation Task Force comprising representatives from registered umbrella bodies and relevant stakeholders.
The task force will develop a comprehensive framework for self-regulation to ensure that churches remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with their spiritual mission.
“We reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our members and upholding the constitutional right to freedom of worship and assembly,” stated the religious leaders.
