In Kenya: Religious leaders are preparing for war against government

The laws require that all religious organisations submit their constitution showing statement of their doctrine of faith. The rules affect imams, pastors, rabbis and other religious leaders.

Religious organisations in Kenya are reportedly gearing up to fight against the government's new regulations.

Christian and Muslim leaders are preparing for a major confrontation with governing bodies to fight the proposed laws which seeks to govern their activities.

According to StandardMedia reports, the Kenyan government, through Attorney General Githu Muigai, has insisted that there is no going back on the new laws saying all stakeholders were consulted fully in the process of formulating the laws.

“A few of the proposed requirements have been deemed necessary to accommodate new developments and challenges of the 21st century demanding our adjustment accordingly,” Muigai said.

The religious leaders claim they would not allow any laws that seek to monitor their operations.

Not all religious organisations are on the same page, however.

READ: "FG must battle religious leaders who preach division" - Yuguda

According to Anglican Church of Kenya Bishop Beneah Salah, the church is not as healthy as it should be. “Horrible things are happening in the church today. There is a lot of commercialisation of the gospel with this prosperity gospel,” he said.

The law, amongst other things, require clerics to submit certificates of good conduct and their theological training certificates are now ready for implementation. It also requires that all religious organisations submit their constitution showing statement of their doctrine of faith. The rules affect imams, pastors, rabbis and other religious leaders.

All religious leaders must make a declaration of familial relations with other religious leaders and officers. In this case, officers include secretary, treasurer, trustees and committee members.

Government also demands that all pastors in Kenya must hold a theological certificate from an accredited theological institution.