The 17-member taskforce that was formed by the president to review legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organizations in Kenya will begin their duty tomorrow. Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has called on all church stakeholders and the general public to turn up in large numbers to submit their views to the taskforce.
Speaking at the Kenya Assemblies of God in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, the CS said the government intends to make law to regulate the churches and ensure they are operating within the law of the land.
The taskforce led by Reverend Mutava Musyimi’s main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organizations to set up shop in Kenya as well as formulating a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.
The CS, who was attending Sunday service, also said some churches have been passing unbiblical teaching that is harming society as well as causing deaths, as witnessed in Shakahola in Kilifi County. The taskforce will also table proposals on civic education to sensitize Kenyans on the need to avoid religious cults.
“That taskforce that was formed by the president will go around the country collecting views effective tomorrow. I request the people of Kirinyaga and Kenya at large to come out and speak openly and candidly on what you want the government to do,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki said that as a ministry concerned with the safety of every Kenyan, the taskforce will also come up with standards and minimum certification requirements for religious organizations to be registered and to operate in Kenya.
“Even though Makenzi succeeded in this unfortunate event, this is a turning point in Kenya, and the government will do what it takes to ensure that will not happen again.”
He assured the Kirinyaga residents that all the promises made by the government would be delivered.
George Kariuki, Member of Parliament for Ndia Constituency, lauded the move by the government through the Ministry of Interior in the fight against illicit brew and second-generation alcohol countrywide, especially in the Mount Kenya region.
He requested additional police personnel in Ndia sub-county, as he has used NG-CDF to build police posts, but no deployment has been done.
Among those accompanied by CS were Mwea MP Mary Maingi,Gichugu MP Githinji Gichumu, and NGAO officers.
By Mutai Kipngetich
