We Never Expected To Face Persecution from Politicians We Supported, Church Leaders Lament

Pentecostal Voice of Kenya has raised concerns regarding the proposed Religious Organisations Bill 2024. During a press briefing on Monday, September 23, PVK leaders highlighted several regressive clauses, arguing they might threaten freedom of worship....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Apostle Peter Manyuru, the PVK chairperson, singled out sections of the Bill that he termed an attack on the church.

“Clause 34 criminalises preaching of the gospel and making new converts by imposing penalties of up to KSh 10 million or imprisonment of up to five years or both,” Manyuru stated

The clergyman recounted how most politicians allied to the current regime defended a proposal by now-opposition members to regulate church activities.

Manyuru stated that their decision to stand with them before the 2022 General Elections swayed them to support President William Ruto’s candidacy.

He observed that it was ironic that those who supported the church were the originators of the Bill that he said was a persecution of the church.

“It is important to remember before the 2022 General Election, a well known politician proposed that the government should regulate the church; that was before elections. Ironically, the same politicians who are now leading the charge for this oppressive Bill previously opposed such regulations, and we, as a church, supported them, believing they would always defend our rights. We never anticipated that we would face persecution from the very politicians we encouraged our congregants to support,” he added.

Ahead of the 2022 polls, NCCK cautioned the church leadership to desist from converting their pulpits into political arenas. The body encouraged the men of the cloth to preach peace on the pulpit during this electioneering period.

Through their Migori County Chairperson, Rev Joshua Abulo, the religious body warned the men of God to practice politics with caution…CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES>>>