Majority of Kenyans support regulation of churches poll

Majority of Kenyans from different religions support the suspended proposed regulations for religious institutions.

This is according to a recent poll by Pan African Research Services that showed 60 per cent of Kenyans from different denominations want to see religious organisations streamlined.

Pan African Research Services MD Jane Mugo said the research that was done before the government withdrew the proposed regulations indicates that 62 per cent of Kenyans agree with the move to audit the accounts of religious institutions.

She added that the respondents were of the view that religious clerics should have a certificate of good conduct to ensure that churches are protected from preachers who only mean to take advantage of their followers.

The report further showed that most respondents want clerics to have a theological training certificate from a recognised institution.

The survey findings however indicated that 62 per cent of respondents were opposed to the directive that churches must submit annual tax returns and audited accounts.

Earlier, CORD had vehemently opposed the now suspended proposed regulations saying the party would not tolerate attempts by the government to constrict the freedom of worship using what they termed as “draconian laws”, terming the move unconstitutional and one that should be resisted.

“Religious personnel should not misuse religion to exploit audiences by asking them to support them financially or abuse of a person’s belief in order to convince that person to change her/his belief and subscribe to the beliefs of the person challenging her/him,” reads one of the provisions in the guidelines.

Expressing the government’s resolve in rooting out fake preachers in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the regulations were aimed at safeguarding the freedom of worship while at the same time ensuring sanctity in religion.

The survey targeted Kenyan adults aged 18 years and above in all the 47 counties.

On Thursday President Uhuru Kenyatta suspended the proposed regulations on religious institutions after meeting with religious leaders to pave way for negotiations on the contentious clauses within the draft rules.