Kamba United Clergy (KUC) of Lower Eastern and Kitui pastors fellowship have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Religious Organizations Bill, warning that the legislation threatens religious freedom and the autonomy of faith-based institutions.

The bill, currently under review by a parliamentary committee, has reignited debate over the relationship between the Church and the State, with clerics describing it as an attempt to introduce government control over religious affairs.

Speaking during the 7th Jubilee and County Prayers held at the ABC Church grounds in Kitui town, leaders from the Kamba United Clergy of Lower Eastern and Kitui pastors led by their chairman, Bsp. Peter Mwangangi, rejected the proposed law, terming it an unnecessary state intrusion into church governance of religious institutions. “The Church is already self-regulated through well-established leadership structures and moral accountability to its congregants,” Bishop Mwangangi said.

Bishop Mwangangi said religious institutions already operate under established leadership and accountability structures, arguing that state regulation would undermine the Church’s independence. “The government should respect this independence and instead collaborate with the Church to promote ethical leadership and national unity.”

He also urged members of the parliament both from the Senate and the National Assembly to reject the bill, noting the historical role of the Church in supporting democratic processes, including elections, and calling for continued cooperation rather than confrontation between religious institutions and the government.

The Religious Organizations Regulation Bill seeks to standardize the registration, financial reporting and operational oversight of religious institutions across the country.

READ ALSO: Catholic Diocese Of Kitui Celebrates Ordination Of 17 to Priesthood and Diaconate

If enacted, all churches, mosques and faith-based organizations would be required to register with a national regulatory authority, submit annual financial returns, disclose sources of funding, meet minimum theological training requirements for clergy, and undergo regular audits.

Supporters of the bill say that regulation is necessary due to rising cases of financial misconduct, cult-like practices, exploitative religious leaders who have caused harm to worshippers and and strengthen public trust in faith-based organizations.

However, church leaders view the proposal as a direct violation of constitutional protections on freedoms, particularly the right to worship without state interference. “This bill could easily be used by future governments to control what is preached from the pulpit,” warned Duncan Mailu, Chairman of the Kamba United Clergy in Machakos. “It risks turning regulation into a weapon to silence the Church’s moral voice.”

Critics also caution that the bill could disproportionately affect small and community-based churches, which may struggle to meet new financial or academic requirements. Failure to comply, they say, could result in deregistration or suspension of operations.

Legal experts have further noted that the legislation could face constitutional challenges, citing Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience, religion and belief.

YOU MISSED: Hon. Charity Ngilu Graces Establishment of Wikililye Redeemed Gospel Church to Sub-Region

As Parliament prepares for public participation hearings, pressure is growing on both the government and religious leaders to engage in dialogue over the proposed law.

The fate of the bill remains uncertain, with its outcome expected to have long-term implications for the regulation of religious institutions in Kenya.

The 7th Jubilee and County Prayers convergence of the Kamba United Clergy was attended by Kitui County Woman Representative Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu, who also represented Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, who was slated to be the chief guest at the event.

Ends///