This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
On July 6, 2020, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the phased reopening of places of worship, allowing only 100 congregants into sanctuaries. However, the rules have been met with resistance from Thika clerics, who claim they are impractical.
Speaking during a thanksgiving event, Rev. Joseph Mutunga, 70, of New Life church in Kiganjo village, expressed concerns that the age limit for church elders, the number of congregants in attendance per worship session, and the exemption of children from worship services are too restrictive.
Rev. Mutunga argued that most churches are led by elderly persons, and allowing the youth to oversee services in their absence would cripple operations. He also expressed concerns that the exemption of children from services would set the stage for the deterioration of societal vices and erosion of morals among the youth.
Other clerics, including Rev. Simon Githiora Njuguna of Makongeni Presbyterian church and Francis Kilango of Springs of Life Apostolic Ministries, echoed Rev. Mutunga's sentiments, stating that while they are ready to adhere to laid-down measures, some of them are daunting and require extra efforts.
MP Wainaina, who attended the thanksgiving event, promised to donate hand-washing units to all churches in the constituency as a way of supporting the houses of worship resume operations. He also urged churches to adopt innovations such as disinfection booths to keep away the deadly virus from members.
