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's clergy.
Led by 70-year-old Rev. Joseph Mutunga of New Life church, the faith leaders argue 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 impractical.
The clerics claim that most churches are led by elderly persons, and allowing the youth to oversee services in their absence will cripple operations. They also take issue with the exemption of children from services, fearing it will set the stage for the deterioration of societal vices and erosion of morals among the youth.
During a thanksgiving event, MP Wainaina promised to donate hand-washing units to all churches in the constituency, urging them to adopt innovations such as disinfection booths to prevent the spread of the virus.
