Africa-Press – Kenya. Interior CS Fred Matiang’i came to the rescue of the clergy after an uproar over crackdown of churches in 13 counties.
Speaking after a meeting with the Inter-Faith Council on Monday, June 21, Matiang’i directed authorities to respect religious leaders.
This comes a day after worshippers and pastors were arrested during church services.
“I ask my colleagues in the security sector across the country that because our religious leaders are our foremost partners, Going forward, we must step up our relationship with the faith-based community in the country.
“The leaders are our foremost pillars in the war against this disease. I expect we should deal with them with the highest form of respect, decency and not expect any harassment of the leaders in interacting with Kenyans,” directed Matiang’i.
He further noted that the pastors had played a pivotal role in advising the Ministry on how to handle the crisis since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country in March 2020.
“Many of our religious leaders are very respectful of our government. Are very consultative and have been helpful.
“This is a tough time and let’s not be unduly abrasive in the manner we deal with our people,” he added.
During a crackdown on Sunday, Pastor Jesse Lesarin lamented that the police did not care that some services were being conducted online.
“It is illegal to be found with a camera in church even if you are just two individuals conducting a service.
“If that is the case, the church will misunderstand the directive,” he argued while other leaders called for a revision in the directive.
While setting curfew between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. in 13 counties, Matiang’i had directed that all public gatherings and in-person meetings of whatever nature be prohibited within the hotspot zone, including house parties and sporting activities.
During his speech, the CS also vowed to extend the lifespan of the Inter-Faith Council that was set to lapse at the end of June to December 2021.
