Babu Owino Declares Stand on Proposed Bill to Regulate Churches

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has opposed the Draft Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, which seeks to regulate religious institutions in the country.

Speaking on Monday, November 3, Babu accused the government of trying to interfere with the independence of the church.

The ODM MP termed the proposed bill as retrogressive, saying it is an attempt to fight religious institutions.

“I want to condemn the bill that is being prepared by the executive, a bill that is interfering with the independence of the churches in this nation.

“The idea that is being brought by the executive to fight and finish the church in this nation is so gibberish and retrogressive. We will not sit back and watch the church being finished. We will support anything that goes with God,” said Babu.

The Embakasi East lawmaker noted that the church plays a vital role in the country, adding that if it is regulated, elected leaders could take advantage and run the nation in the wrong direction.

“We shall not allow that bill because the church plays a major role in this nation to maintain morality and condemn the excesses of the government. The church should act as the opposition, because when the church is silent, the nation will be finished, because we know that power gets into the heads of these leaders in this country,” he added.

Further, Babu urged the members of the public and the church to come out to condemn the proposed bill.

The draft bill seeks to combat religious extremism and the abuse of the freedom of religion and related purposes.

The bill proposes that religious institutions should not engage in any political activities aimed at acquiring power.

It stipulates that religious organizations should not organize debates to support a specific political party or candidate.

The draft law also seeks to safeguard individuals from coercion and harmful practices within religious settings.

"A person shall not coerce or intimidate another person to engage in any religious practice that is harmful to the health or detrimental to safety or endangers the life of the other person,” the proposed bill reads in part.

The draft also states that a person shall not use force, threats, intimidation, fraud, or violence to coerce another person's belief or disbelief.

Further, the bill states that any religious leader who, through false or fraudulent representations, schemes relating to healing, miracles, blessings, or prayers, extorts or fraudulently obtains financial or material gain from any person or induces someone to hand over money or property commits an offence.

According to the bill, the offender will be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million, imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.