I am deeply concerned about the implications of the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, and its potentially detrimental impact on religious freedoms in Kenya. Despite the country's existing curriculum, which includes Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), and Hindu Religious Education (HRE) in primary and secondary schools, this Bill introduces provisions that severely undermine religious education and expression. This is particularly troubling as it seems to criminalize religious teachings that many Kenyan students are already receiving.

The Bill appears to be a reactive measure to the events surrounding Paul Mackenzie, an individual known for employing isolation tactics and coercive control on adults, not minors. The tragedy at Shakahola, where adults willingly engaged in self-destructive behavior under Mackenzie's influence, should have prompted a focus on protecting vulnerable adults from coercion and psychological manipulation, rather than disproportionately targeting children's religious freedoms.

Furthermore, the Bill is vague on essential points, leaving troubling questions unanswered. For instance, If Shakahola involved adults willingly starving themselves, why does the bill focus so heavily on children rather than protecting vulnerable adults from manipulation? Paul Mackenzie wasn't converting children, he was isolating and controlling adults. So why isn't the bill addressing isolation tactics, coercive control, and psychological manipulation of adults?  Why was the child conversion language so prominent if it wasn't relevant to Shakahola? This lack of clarity could lead to legal ambiguities and unnecessary persecution.

The current focus of the Bill suggests an oversight in addressing the real threat of isolation and manipulation tactics used by certain groups or individuals. It also opportunistically exploits public outcry over Shakahola to smuggle in an anti-Christian agenda that will effectively criminalize evangelism/crusade/prayer meetings. It places undue emphasis on restricting children's religious practices. We need legislation that protects all individuals from coercive religious practices, particularly focusing on vulnerable adults, rather than targeting avenues for religious education and minor's rights to religious autonomy. 

I urge lawmakers to reconsider the provisions of the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024. It is essential to consult extensively with religious leaders, educators, and legal experts to ensure that any legislation enacted upholds the constitutional freedoms of religion and expression, while effectively addressing the harms caused by coercive religious practices.

Sign this petition to call for a thoughtful revision of the Bill that respects religious liberties while safeguarding all citizens from harm.