President Ruto Affirms Commitment to Freedom of Worship Amid Proposed Regulations

In a strong declaration during a church service at AIC Milimani in Nairobi on Sunday, President William Ruto assured the church and the wider public that his government will protect the freedom of worship in Kenya. This statement comes against the backdrop of a proposed Religious Organizations Bill, which seeks to introduce a code of conduct for religious centers.
President Ruto emphasized that any attempts to regulate religious practices would not infringe upon the constitutional rights of Kenyans to worship freely. “We will make sure that we protect the freedom of worship in Kenya. We will defend the right and the freedom of worship, and it will not be compromised in whichever manner,” he stated. His remarks serve as a warning to those seeking to impose restrictions on religious practices.
The president’s comments are particularly significant in light of the draft Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, presented to him on July 30 by the Presidential Taskforce on the Review of the Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organizations in Kenya. The bill proposes the establishment of a Religious Affairs Commission that would oversee religious matters and require all religious institutions to submit annual financial returns.
This legislation aims to address concerns over religious extremism and financial malpractice within some organizations. However, it has sparked considerable backlash from religious leaders who argue that it poses a threat to the autonomy of faith-based organizations and could lead to the closure of many churches.
The proposed commission would consist of representatives from various religious bodies, including the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, the National Council of Churches of Kenya, and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, among others. The commission would be tasked with registering religious organizations, advising the government on religious affairs, and developing a code of conduct.
Critics of the bill express fears that the requirement for religious institutions to provide detailed financial information could infringe upon their independence and hinder their operations.
In his address, Ruto also urged religious leaders to engage in developing their own policies for regulation, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the government and faith-based organizations. “Religious leaders should be allowed to develop their preferred policies on how they would want to be regulated,” he said, advocating for a balanced approach that respects religious freedoms while addressing legitimate concerns.
Conclusion: Navigating Complex Issues
As the conversation around the Religious Organizations Bill continues, President Ruto’s commitment to protecting freedom of worship remains a pivotal aspect of the discourse. The challenge lies in finding a balance between necessary oversight and the preservation of religious liberties.
As this situation develops, we will continue to monitor the implications of the proposed legislation and the ongoing dialogue between the government and religious communities in Kenya.