Trans Nzoia churches threaten to curse government over strict COVID-19 measures

A section of religious leaders in Trans Nzoia County has threatened to curse the government over stringent Covid-19 measures imposed on the county.

Speaking to the press, leaders drawn from Trans Nzoia East Interfaith Committee said the government’s measures are too punitive to bear.

Through their chairman Bishop Martin Mafumbo of Mountain of Prayer
and Deliverance Ministries Kenya, the clergy claims that they were not
consulted.

According to them, they have been complying with Covid-19
measures from the onset and they are shocked the government forced them to close
their churches

“We have complied with all the set guidelines and we are shocked on the move. Look at supermarkets there is no social distancing. Look at schools no social distancing. After the church closure, one of our leaders held a great gathering at neighbouring West Pokot and nobody interfered with it,” Mafumbo said.

Mafumbo has now threatened to curse the Kenyan government if
they fail to reopen churches within one week.

He says they will to God to curse the government for not
respecting the freedom of worship.

“We shall fast and pray until God revisit this government.
We will make sure we raise our hands to God so that he deals with this pharaoh
government that doesn’t respect God,” he said,

The group of over ten clergies also demanded that they be involved in coming up with measures that will see the pandemic arrested.

They said the church has been home to many people who feel
stressed because of life challenges including the current pandemic.

“From time immemorial, churches have been viewed as refuge
zone for those seeking answers to pandemics. Why are they were closing areas where
locals go for solace,” added Bishop David Khambia of PEFA church.

Their sentiments were echoed by the civil society led by
Kefa Were who claimed that the government is using the pandemic to enrich few
individuals.

“This pandemic is being used by a few individuals to fetch unclean money while sidelining the church. I demand immediate reopening of churches as you cannot fight this pandemic without consultation with church leaders,” he said.