NAIROBI, Kenya – The Pentecostal Voice of Kenya (PVK) has raised alarm over the proposed Religious Organizations Bill 2024, popularly known as the Mungatana Bill, which they argue could significantly hinder church operations if passed into law.
After reviewing the bill, PVK leaders identified several provisions they believe threaten the freedom of worship, as enshrined in Article 32 of the 2010 Constitution.
Speaking on Monday, PVK chairperson Apostle Peter Manyuru voiced concerns that the bill’s provisions would penalize religious leaders and curtail their ability to preach freely.
One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the proposed penalties, which include a fine of up to Ksh.10 million or imprisonment of up to five years—or both—for preaching on media platforms such as radio or television, or conducting public crusades. Manyuru described this as an attempt to criminalize the gospel.
The church leaders also expressed concern over clauses that would grant county governments the authority to interfere in church operations, a move they believe could lead to political intrusion into religious affairs.
They warned that such provisions would allow politicians to intimidate pastors who speak out against governance issues, undermining the independence of the church.
Further opposition was directed at a clause that requires churches to join umbrella organizations, which the leaders argued would disrupt the autonomy of individual congregations.
Additionally, the requirement for churches to re-register under the new law was seen as an unnecessary bureaucratic burden that could foster corruption and confusion.
Apostle Manyuru noted that the bill’s origins in the Shakahola incident investigation, chaired by Senator Danson Mungatana, were misplaced.
“It is unjust to penalize the entire church for the actions of a few individuals,” he said.
The PVK leadership made it clear they would resist the bill in its current form, urging lawmakers to reconsider the potentially far-reaching consequences on religious freedom in Kenya.
After reviewing the bill, PVK leaders identified several provisions they believe threaten the freedom of worship, as enshrined in Article 32 of the 2010 Constitution.
Speaking on Monday, PVK chairperson Apostle Peter Manyuru voiced concerns that the bill’s provisions would penalize religious leaders and curtail their ability to preach freely.
One of the most contentious aspects of the bill is the proposed penalties, which include a fine of up to Ksh.10 million or imprisonment of up to five years—or both—for preaching on media platforms such as radio or television, or conducting public crusades. Manyuru described this as an attempt to criminalize the gospel.
The church leaders also expressed concern over clauses that would grant county governments the authority to interfere in church operations, a move they believe could lead to political intrusion into religious affairs.
They warned that such provisions would allow politicians to intimidate pastors who speak out against governance issues, undermining the independence of the church.
Further opposition was directed at a clause that requires churches to join umbrella organizations, which the leaders argued would disrupt the autonomy of individual congregations.
Additionally, the requirement for churches to re-register under the new law was seen as an unnecessary bureaucratic burden that could foster corruption and confusion.
Apostle Manyuru noted that the bill’s origins in the Shakahola incident investigation, chaired by Senator Danson Mungatana, were misplaced.
“It is unjust to penalize the entire church for the actions of a few individuals,” he said.
The PVK leadership made it clear they would resist the bill in its current form, urging lawmakers to reconsider the potentially far-reaching consequences on religious freedom in Kenya.
