Ruto pledges to safeguard freedom of religion while preventing abuse
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the freedom of religion in Kenya, while also taking steps to prevent its potential abuse.
The President made this statement during the presentation and handover of the report from the Presidential Taskforce on the Review of the Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organisations, held at the State House in Nairobi.
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In a recent post on social media platform X, President Ruto emphasized the importance of balancing religious freedom with the need to protect Kenyans from harm.
"We will continue to safeguard and protect the freedom of religion, but at the same time mitigate its potential abuse to harm Kenyans," he stated.
The taskforce was established to examine the current legal and regulatory framework surrounding religious organizations in Kenya.
It aims to ensure that these organizations operate within a set of guidelines that uphold both the freedom of worship and the safety and well-being of citizens.
The review comes in response to concerns about certain groups potentially exploiting religious freedom to perpetrate harmful activities.
The government's initiative seeks to create a more accountable and transparent environment for religious organizations, ensuring they contribute positively to society.
The taskforce's report, which has now been handed over to the President, is expected to guide the development of new policies and regulations. These measures will aim to protect the fundamental right to freedom of religion while preventing its misuse.
The President's statement underscores the government's dual responsibility to uphold constitutional rights and protect the public.
As the country continues to navigate the complexities of religious freedom and regulation, this initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring both respect for diverse beliefs and the safety of all Kenyans.
The details of the report and the specific recommendations made by the taskforce are expected to be released in the coming days.
The government has pledged to engage with various stakeholders, including religious leaders and civil society, to implement these recommendations effectively.
This move has been widely anticipated and is seen as a crucial measure in maintaining the delicate balance between religious freedom and public safety in Kenya.