Migori clergy oppose Government’s proposal on regulation of churches

Migori Wednesday, June 21,2023

KNA By Elkna Ochuodho/George Agimba

The clergy from Migori County have unanimously opposed the proposal by the national government to have churches strictly regulated.

However, the men and women of the robe said that they would support the state in dealing with denominations that go against human rights and introduce immoral teachings in their operations.

"We will support the state 100 percent only in taming religious outfits out to radicalize their innocent followers to delve in acts that go against God's teachings and the rule of law as enshrined in Kenya's constitution," affirmed the chairperson of Migori County Bishops' Association, Bishop Peter Jobando.

The group emphasized that religious leaders are anointed by God and should not be subject to regulation based solely on academic qualifications.

The bishops were speaking when they met the presidential taskforce on religious regulation held at Maranatha Assemblies in Migori town yesterday.

Their decision comes in the wake of the country grappling with the rise of religious radicalisation, particularly that involving the tragic Shakahola incident where countless lives have been lost due to extreme religious beliefs.

While acknowledging the importance of theological education for the clergy, Jobando noted that they recognize the value of education in improving human understanding but it should not be used as a tool for evaluation when it comes to religious matters.

“As a scholar, I recognize the value of education in enhancing human understanding. However, it should not be the sole criterion for evaluating religious leaders. Church leaders are anointed by God and should be allowed to proclaim His gospel without academic regulations," emphasized bishop Jobando, who spoke on behalf of the group.

However, the leaders proposed that the most effective way to regulate churches is by establishing religious umbrella bodies responsible for self-regulating their registered members. 

Through this approach, they believe they will provide a balanced mechanism for oversight and accountability within the church society and also to help weed out criminals operating under the guise of religion.

Reverend Bernard Ogalo from Cornerstone Family and Worship Church emphasized that it is unfair to indiscriminately condemn all churches. 

Ogalo said that he is perplexed that the government is not effectively addressing the issue of Shakahola cultism and instead shifting blanket blame on moral churches.

 “The deaths caused by the Shakahola cult were as a result of government negligence. The government should stop blaming all churches rather than dealing with the single one responsible. We as the church, we have various methods of self-regulation,” fired the reverend.

Sheikh Abdi Salaam, the chairperson of the presidential taskforce on religious moderation and regulations, acknowledged the cooperation and engagement of the Migori county clergy. 

Sheikh Saalam expressed his satisfaction with the valuable input received from the local religious leaders and assured the clergy that all the gathered opinions and recommendations would be duly considered in the final report.

"We are pleased to be here in Migori to gather the perspectives of the religious leaders. We have received written submissions and presentations from a majority of the participants. The window for collecting feedback will remain open for the whole of next month and a half," noted Salaam. 

The taskforce aims to strike a balance between the concerns of the clergy and the need for measures to mitigate religious extremism, ensuring a comprehensive approach to regulating religious activities while respecting the spiritual authority of the church.

Courtesy ; K. N. A