Taskforce in Machakos to Review Regulatory Framework governing Religious Organisations

Machakos

Wednesday 26 July 2023

KNA by Anne Kangero/William Musyoki

A Taskforce that was appointed by President William Ruto to review and regulate the framework that will govern Religious organisations met in Machakos during a public participation forum to gather feedback on religious freedom.

Bishop Eli Rop who is the Chairman of the taskforce spoke at the Machakos youth centre on Tuesday, where residents had gathered to give their views and said that the aim of the taskforce is to solicit opinions of citizens on religious freedom in Kenya

Rop said religious freedom is in the constitution though some people have misused it resulting in the current Shakahola scandal and Al-Shabaab menace that has been misleading people.

“Through Public Participation, the Government wants to know how such issues such as Shakahola and the criminals who hide behind religion can be tamed,” noted Rop.

The Bishop pointed out that they are gathering views and different perspectives from all the 47 Counties in Kenya and so 36 counties including Machakos have been covered.

He added that the Taskforce will compile and review the responses from all the counties and release a comprehensive report by November 2023.

The Chairman said that the Taskforce has received positive feedback because people appreciated the opportunity to contribute and share ways to govern the religious entities though others argued that the taskforce should have initiated the dialogue earlier which would have prevented the Shakahola scandal.

He expressed his gratitude to Machakos residents who consisted of Pastors from different churches, People with Disability, the youth local businessmen and women, the Maendeleo ya Wanawake team, members from National Government and students who came in droves and shared their views and thoughts openly.

The mandate of the Task force whose members consist of leaders from all denominations, lawyers and Researchers is to identify the legal and governance gaps that have allowed religious extremists to engage in practices that are detrimental to individual health, safety and national values.

They are also mandated to formulate proposals on legal amendments so as to enable the concerned law enforcement agencies to effectively tackle crimes committed as a result of religious extremist and cultic beliefs and practices.

The taskforce is supposed to recommend to the authorities what actions may be taken against individuals and groups suspected of founding and leading religious extremist organization sects and cults.

Courtesy ; K. N. A