COVID-19: Three pastors sue Kenyan govt for banning church services
Three pastors have
sued Kenyan government after church services stopped operating due to the
Coronavirus lockdown put in place to halt the spread of the deadly disease.
Justice James Makau
of The High Court revealed on Friday that three pastors, Don Mutugi Majau, Joan
Miriti, and Alex Gichunge sued the Interior, Health and ICT Cabinet
Secretaries, the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police.
According to Nairobi
News, Justice Makau set the hearing for April 16 and ordered the pastors to
give copies of the case documents to the sued parties before the close of
business on April 14.
In the suit, the
pastors acknowledge measures put in place by the government to stop the spread
but argue that as the pandemic worsens, Kenyans will look to churches for
solace.
They are protesting
the directive against social gatherings that saw closure of churches, saying it
was reached without consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The religious men
also say the state imposed the curfew and the restriction on gatherings without
consulting the church.
They said that if
consultations had taken place, the public would have been sufficiently educated
on social distancing and proper hygiene, peace, and unity would have been
promoted and food drives would have been held for the sake of the less
fortunate.
Their lawyer, John
Swaka said: “The petitioners (and) other believers are in no way approaching
this court in efforts to spread the coronavirus. Their sole wish is to
congregate whilst adhering to the directive issued,”
He added, “The
church’s role in such times is to give hope amid the crisis not only in this
country but also in the world at large. They humbly seek the intervention of
the court since their rights and freedoms are being infringed.”
The pastors further
note that judges, doctors, and journalists are risking their lives to serve
Kenyans and that pastors should be added to the list of essential service
providers in the fight against the deadly disease.
The religious
leaders note that their services can go on with those in attendance wearing
masks and gloves and using hand sanitisers.
They want churches
allowed to conduct services with leaders compelled to ensure members adhere to
guidelines for curbing the spread of the virus.
The alternative,
they say, is for the government to allow the broadcasting of services on
specific days.
The case will be
mentioned on April 16.
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