Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana Withdraws Church Regulation Bill
In a significant development, Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has officially withdrawn the contentious Church Regulation Bill, citing the need for more extensive stakeholder engagement. Mungatana announced that he had written to the Speaker of the Senate requesting the complete withdrawal of the bill, a decision he said followed “intensive consultation” with various religious groups, legal experts, and other stakeholders.
The bill, which sought to impose government regulation on religious institutions, has sparked considerable debate across the country, with many religious leaders expressing concerns over potential infringements on the right to freedom of worship and assembly. In light of these concerns, Senator Mungatana emphasized that the focus will now shift to strengthening self-regulation within religious bodies.
“The church and other religious institutions must remain transparent, accountable, and faithful to their congregations,” said Mungatana. He highlighted that a taskforce would be formed, comprising representatives from registered umbrella religious bodies, to develop a comprehensive self-regulation framework. This framework will ensure that religious institutions uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability, while also safeguarding the interests of their members.
Mungatana reassured religious leaders and Kenyans that the aim is not to limit the freedom of worship, but to ensure that religious bodies operate with integrity, ensuring that members are protected and their rights upheld.
“We shall take a step back and seek wider engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that any regulatory framework developed is in line with the principles of freedom and justice for all,” Mungatana concluded.
The withdrawal of the bill marks a significant shift in the ongoing debate over religious governance in Kenya, with many now hoping for a more collaborative approach to address the concerns surrounding accountability within religious institutions.
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