Closure of churches is a mockery in a country that is highly religious, says clergy
The Church and Clergy Association of Kenya now wants the government to reconsider its decision to close churches in the disease infested zoned Counties.
The Association Chairman Bishop Hudson Ndeda says the phased reopening of church had worked well arguing that the Church had religiously observed the protocols set by the Ministry of Health.
“The political gatherings witnessed in the country in the last few months escalated the spread of the virus while the governments failure to monitor its borders facilitated the entry of the new variant,” said Ndenda.
Ndeda now wants the government to review its Public Oder no. 2 of 2021 on Covid-19 saying the church shouldn’t bear the blunt of other peoples’ mistakes.
He said Kenyans were grateful with the phased reopening of churches adding that the Church had improvised ways to avoid physical contact and can’t there be blamed for the increase in numbers during the third wave.
Ndeda said the Church had also developed programs to offer social support to victims of job loss, bereavement, business closure among others.
“The government should allow the Church to operate as a responsible institution. Allowing Matatus to operate at 60 per cent capacity, markets and shops to operate normally, and crowded streets to remain the same but order for the closure of places of worship is a mockery in a Country that is highly religious,” he said.
The association also wants the political class to take responsibility of their actions saying the governments decision to hold rallies to popularize BBI as well as the Tanga Tanga rallies across the Country are to blame for the 3rd wave as they didn’t observe the protocols on prevention of the virus.
Ndeda says it’s punitive for the government to lockdown some Counties without cushioning Kenyans.
He has now called on the government to ensure that form four students who are sitting for their exams will get home safely once they are done.
Ndeda has also urged the police to stop interfering with online services claiming some officers are goping to churches to arrest those streaming the services.
