By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, December 12, 2025- In a move that has captured the attention of religious communities nationwide, the government has announced the postponement of the proposed Religious Organisations Policy, 2024, and the accompanying Religious Organisations Bill, 2024.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS, disclosed that the legislative process will be deferred until next year. The delay aims to provide an opportunity for exhaustive public participation among the country’s diverse religious groups.
The announcement comes against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny of religious institutions in Kenya, particularly following high-profile incidents involving sects that have raised questions about regulation, accountability, and public safety. Notably, the tragic Shakahola forest incident, which claimed numerous lives, underscored the urgent need for a regulatory framework to govern religious organisations.
These incidents have sparked national debates on balancing religious freedom with public protection, highlighting the potential dangers of unregulated or loosely monitored faith-based groups. Historically, Kenya has struggled to oversee religious organisations while respecting the constitutional guarantee of freedom of worship.
Over the past decade, several faith-based entities have grown in influence, sometimes operating with minimal oversight. While most religious organisations contribute positively to social cohesion, education, and humanitarian work, certain fringe sects have exploited gaps in governance, leading to tragic outcomes that have shocked the nation. The Shakahola incident, in particular, revealed systemic failures in monitoring extremist groups and emphasized the need for clear guidelines on registration, accountability, and operations.
The proposed Religious Organisations Policy, 2024, and its corresponding Bill were conceived as part of the government’s broader strategy to formalise oversight of religious bodies. Key elements under discussion include mechanisms for registration, reporting obligations, safeguarding the welfare of adherents, and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of faith leaders.
Advocates argue that these measures are essential to prevent future tragedies, ensure transparency in religious operations, and maintain public trust. Critics, however, caution against potential overreach, emphasizing that legislation should not stifle spiritual expression or the autonomy of religious groups.
In explaining the decision to defer the legislative process, Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi emphasized that public participation is critical.
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“The government recognises the diversity of faith communities in our nation. To ensure that any policy or law is inclusive, representative, and acceptable to all, we must engage extensively with religious leaders, congregants, and stakeholders before finalising the legislation,” he stated.
The postponement also provides a window for religious organisations to reflect on their internal governance practices and engage constructively in shaping legislation that impacts them directly. Religious analyst Rev. Evans Otieno suggests that this period could foster dialogue between state authorities and faith-based actors, leading to regulations that protect citizens while respecting religious liberties.
“Let’s have some time now to debate on it,” said Otieno.
Religious leaders have welcomed the decision to extend consultation, describing it as an opportunity to participate meaningfully in a policy process with significant implications for their ministries and congregations. Many hope that lessons from past tragedies, particularly the Shakahola incident, will guide the framing of practical, enforceable, and humane policies.
As Kenya continues to navigate the complex intersection of faith and governance, the postponed legislation underscores a broader national conversation: how to protect citizens while upholding constitutional freedoms.
The coming months are likely to witness intensive consultations, debates, and proposals that could shape the future of religious oversight in the country for generations to come. The government’s patient, consultative approach may serve as a model for balancing regulation with freedom, ensuring that faith remains a source of hope and community rather than a vehicle for exploitation or harm.
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