The Inter-Faith Council that was recently appointed by the government to come up with protocols for phased reopening of places of worship has formally begun its sittings Wednesday.
The Council is expected to oversee the resumption of in-person congregational worship and spiritual functions in strict adherence to the containment measures put in place by the government to halt the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.
Premising their undertaking on the World Health Organization’s cautionary advice that the novel coronavirus could become endemic in the human population, the team is also expected to co-opt any other persons to ensure the agreed general standard operating procedures are cascaded to all faith leaders at the grassroots.
The team, which was jointly inaugurated by Cabinet Secretaries, Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Mutahi Kagwe, is expected to present an interim report within three weeks for review and further action.
CS Kagwe underscored the need to premise consultations and decisions on the sole mission of preserving the lives of Kenyans as the national government progressively cascades policy guidance on roles and responsibilities to other stakeholders, including county governments and members of the public.
“The disease is not subsiding and our curve remains stubbornly elevated. Based on our forecast and projection models, the figures are likely to increase in the foreseeable future. Therefore, let’s endeavor to make decisions whose consequences we can bear.” He said
On his part, Dr. Matiang’i urged the Council to align its operations with the government’s efforts in COVID-19 infection prevention and control interventions against the virus and its impact in the country.
“We are hurting together as a family; we will rise or fall together as a country. Therefore, let’s face this challenge together, and continue praying to God for strength as we prepare to enter this new normal,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also pledged full support to the Council throughout its term and in developing the capacity to implement the purposed standard operating procedures for onsite worship under the prevailing circumstances.
According to the Chair, Most (Rev.) Archbishop Anthony Muheria, stated that the team has bound itself to be pragmatic, practical and objective to ensure believers of all faiths in the country are adequately represented in the ongoing deliberations.
The appointment of the council followed extensive consultations between the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government and the Ministry of Health with inter-religious leaders with a view to developing protocols for onsite worship under the prevailing circumstances.
The full list of members of the council are:
1. Most (Rev.) Archbishop Anthony Muheria – Chairperson Nyeri Catholic Archdiocese
2. Rt. (Rev.) John Obala Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB)
3. Rt. (Rev.) Joseph Obanyi Bishop of Kakamega
4. Rt. (Rev.) Julius Mwamba Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA)
5. Rev. (Can.) Chris Kamau Kinyanjui National Council of Churches of Kenya
6. Rev. (Can.) Rosemary Mbogo Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK)
7. Pastor (Dr.) Samuel Makori Eastern Union Seventh Day Adventist Church
8. Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM)
9. Sheikh Sukyan Hassan Omar Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM)
10. Sheikh Abdulatif Abdulkarim Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaas (KCIU)
11. Rev. (Fr.) Joseph Mutie Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC)
12. Bishop (Dr.) David Oginde Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, Christ is The Answer Ministries
13. Rev. Connie Kivuti Evangelical Alliance of Kenya
14. Sujata Kotamraju Hindu Council of Kenya
15. Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Samuel Thiong’o Mwangi General Conference of Akorino Churches Assembly
16. Sheikh Ali Saidi Samojah Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat, Lavington Mosque
Joint Secretaries
- Dr. Kepha Ombacho Director of Special Programmes, Ministry of Health
- Dr. Francis Kuria Kagema Inter-Religious Council of Kenya
- Paul Famba Director of Administration, Ministry of Interior & Coordination of National Government
The mandate of the team shall lapse on December 31, 2020, but maybe extended at the discretion of H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta.
