Busia clergy to regulate self

Busia, Thursday June 22, 2023

KNA by Victoria Magar and Jael Nambanga

Religious leaders in Busia County have called for the re-introduction of religious teachings and Madrasa in schools as a way of instilling religious teaching in young children.

Speaking to the press after a public participation forum held at Busia County Commissioner’s Conference hall on Wednesday, the chairman of the task force on Presidential taskforce on Religious Reforms, Bishop Mark Kariuki said that the move will help instill discipline among young learners. 

‘In all the areas we have visited, there is that desire to get religious education back into the system so that they can instill discipline in children,’ he said.

Kariuki noted that the issue of educational qualification for religious leaders attracted divergent views from various counties.

“Some of the leaders argued that leadership is a call and cannot be determined by the level of Education,” he said.

He noted that there was great cooperation between the Muslim and Christian leaders in Busia County.

"There is great unity in Busia and the interfaith work is a great credit to the local residents is,” he said.

The cleric urged all the local residents to present their views to the committee stating that the task force requires views from all Kenyans.

"Here in Busia we had Maendeleo ya Wanawake and people from other sectors,” he said, urging other Kenyans to bring in their views.

Kariuki however advised those who are harassing churches to wait until the task force comes up with recommendations that can be implemented.

"We know there is some anger in Kenyans following the Shakahola incident,’ he said, adding that criminals should be treated as individuals and not as a group.

The Chairman of Busia County Interfaith, Bishop James Wanyama urged the government to take action on people who contravene the law.

Wanyama argued that the church was able to regulate itself expressing confidence that all the views presented at the forum will be considered by the taskforce.

The vice chairperson of the task force Efsi Abdala assured the participants that all their views will be considered with a view to improve the law governing religion across the country.

The Presidential task force on Religious reforms was formed by President William Ruto following the death of hundreds of Kenyans in Shakahola, Kilifi County following extreme and negative religious teachings by Pastor Paul Mackenzie through his Good News International Church.

Courtesy ; K. N. A