Kenya reports high rate of church registration amid leadership concerns

Kenya’s Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, recently announced that the government is registering approximately 60 new churches every month. During a panel discussion in Nairobi, Oduor expressed concern regarding the frequency of internal disputes within these organizations, noting that conflicts over leadership and financial control have occasionally escalated into violence. She stated that her office is frequently approached to mediate these disagreements, which often arise during internal church elections.

These remarks highlight ongoing national debates regarding the regulation of religious institutions and the balance between government oversight and constitutional religious freedom. The discussion follows the 2023 Shakahola tragedy, where hundreds of followers of the Good News International Church died, prompting a Senate investigation into the proliferation and compliance of religious groups. Previous government attempts to implement stricter registration rules, such as the 2015 draft Societies Rules, faced significant opposition and were ultimately abandoned. The current situation underscores the challenges authorities face in managing the rapid growth of religious organizations while addressing concerns about accountability.