Church Leaders Condemn MPs’ Plan to Impeach Deputy President and Religious Organizations Bill 2024
A group of senior clergy under the Association of Pentecostal and Evangelical Clergy has strongly condemned the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning that it threatens to overturn the will of the Kenyan people. Led by the Association’s National Chairman, Reverend Fredrick Ngugi, the church leaders denounced the move as politically motivated and harmful to national unity.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, Reverend Ngugi expressed concern that the impeachment effort would destabilize the country and disregard the democratic choice of the Kenyan people who voted in the 2022 General Election.
“The motion to impeach Deputy President Gachagua is a direct attack on the will of the people. We urge our leaders to refrain from such divisive actions and instead focus on serving the nation and addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and the high cost of living,” said Reverend Ngugi.
Opposition to Religious Organizations Bill 2024
In addition to addressing the impeachment motion, the church leaders also voiced strong opposition to the Religious Organizations Bill 2024, which is currently before the Senate. The bill proposes new regulations on the operations of religious groups in Kenya, including hefty fines and prison terms for leaders who fail to comply with its provisions.
Reverend Ngugi and other clergy described the bill as “retrogressive and punitive,” arguing that it infringes on the constitutional separation of church and state. They pointed out that the bill violates Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship.
“We categorically reject the Religious Organizations Bill 2024 and demand its immediate withdrawal. The bill is not only unconstitutional but also an infringement on our religious freedoms. It seeks to impose fines of up to KSh 5 million and prison terms of up to three years on religious leaders, which is unacceptable and draconian,” Reverend Ngugi stated.
The clergy further argued that the bill’s provisions are subjective and would limit how religious organizations practice their faith, impacting their ability to teach, worship, and observe their beliefs in line with biblical principles.
Call for Unity and Dialogue
The church leaders called on the government to engage in constructive dialogue with religious organizations instead of imposing regulations that could weaken their role in society. They emphasized the importance of maintaining the independence of religious institutions and safeguarding the constitutional right to freedom of worship.
“We urge the Senate and the government to engage with religious leaders and the broader faith community to find mutually beneficial solutions. We also encourage fellow clergy and congregations across the country to remain vigilant and protect our freedoms,” added Reverend Ngugi.
The religious leaders concluded their address by calling for unity and peace, urging political leaders to focus on development and addressing the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans, rather than engaging in political conflicts.
The debate around the Religious Organizations Bill and the impeachment motion is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both church and political leaders weighing in on these controversial
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