Religious leaders drawn from the Pentecostal Voices of Kenya have come out strongly against the proposed Religious Organisations Amendment Bill 2024, warning that the planned law could be used by the state to interfere with church affairs and weaken freedom of worship.
During a media engagement held on December 13, 2025, the clergy said the draft Bill should be abandoned entirely, arguing that it poses a danger to the independence of religious institutions and opens the door to control of the church.
The Pentecostal Voices of Kenya said the proposal is part of a wider plan to silence both the church and non-governmental organisations, noting that the approach taken by the government raises serious concern.
"They have opted to vilify the church and arbitrarily enact draconian bills and regulations that trump on the freedom of worship and muzzle the church," said PVK Secretary General Habil Olembo.
The church leaders accused the government of directing its attention toward limiting the church instead of dealing with the challenges that continue to affect many Kenyans.
PVK Chairperson Peter Manyuru said the energy being spent on pushing the Bill would be better used in addressing the country’s pressing problems.
"If you can use the same force and energy that you are using to curtail the church in solving the problems of Kenyans, I want to say that Kenya would be very far," said Peter Manyuru.
According to the clergy, the proposed law threatens the constitutional right to worship and introduces offences that are unclear and open to misuse against religious leaders.
They also said churches were left out of the process that led to the drafting of the proposed amendments, despite being key stakeholders in religious matters.
The leaders insisted that the church plays a central role in holding society together and acting as a moral voice, warning that attempts to silence it would harm public accountability.
They further said that the church had little reason to celebrate Jamhuri Day at a time when they believe core freedoms are under threat.
Details of the proposed amendments
The Religious Organisations Amendment Bill 2024 was first introduced in the Senate by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana in 2024 before being withdrawn after widespread public opposition.
The government is now preparing a fresh Religious Organisations Policy that takes up recommendations made by the Presidential Task Force formed after the Shakahola religious massacre.
Under the proposed framework, an Advisory Board would be created within the Office of the Attorney General, alongside the appointment of a Registrar of Religious Organisations.
The Bill also introduces leadership and management requirements for religious institutions, including the formation of a Board of Trustees, with at least two-thirds of its members required to be Kenyan citizens.
New religious groups would also need support from at least 25 members of the same faith and approval from an umbrella religious organisation.
In addition, the proposal seeks to stop religious institutions from taking part in political activities aimed at gaining power or organising debates in support of a specific political party.
