Nairobi: The Government has assured religious groups and civil society organisations of continued support in safeguarding freedom of religion and belief amid growing concerns over the proposed Religious Organisations Bill 2024. Speaking during a Coalition Government Dialogue on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) forum at a Nairobi hotel, County Commissioner, Nairobi North Sub-county, Simon Osumba said the government remains committed to working with all stakeholders to protect constitutional freedoms while ensuring religious activities are conducted within the law.
According to Kenya News Agency, the forum saw civil society organisations and religious rights advocates, led by Search for Common Ground in partnership with KESHO Alliance, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), and Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE), call for an immediate constitutional review of the proposed Bill. They expressed concerns that the Law could introduce restrictive regulations, duplicate existing legal frameworks, and exclude minority faith communities.
Commissioner Osumba reassured attendees that freedom of religion will not be interfered with by the state, as guaranteed under the Constitution, but it will be protected at all times. However, he emphasized the importance of conducting religious activities in a safe and lawful environment to prevent exploitation and radicalisation among young people.
The government is also focused on protecting fundamental rights under the 2010 Constitution, ensuring that any violations are properly investigated and prosecuted. Osumba highlighted the need for compensation and justice mechanisms in cases where communities or individuals feel their rights have been infringed upon.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, Maina Karobia, stressed the importance of cooperation between religion and government, noting that both institutions play a central role in organising society. He warned of the risks associated with the lack of regulation in the religious space, urging stronger legal frameworks to govern religious institutions.
Commissioner Osumba encouraged Kenyans to support national cohesion and democratic processes ahead of the next election cycle, calling on religious organisations, NGOs, and citizens to support the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He urged young people to register as voters, highlighting the ongoing voter registration at IEBC offices across the country.
The proposed Religious Organisations Bill 2024 has sparked debate among stakeholders, with critics arguing that some provisions could undermine Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion. Concerns were raised over strict registration requirements and the potential overlap with existing legal bodies, calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than new frameworks.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for the government to review the Bill to ensure inclusivity, protect constitutional freedoms, and safeguard places of worship.