This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, churches and mosques in Kenya have decided to remain closed indefinitely. This decision comes despite the government's announcement to reopen places of worship, with several religious leaders citing the impracticality of implementing the laid-out protocols.
According to Bishop David Oginde of Christ is The Answer Ministry (CITAM), the leadership decided to keep the doors of churches locked due to the escalating cases. "We have a large congregation. Admitting 100 per service as stipulated in the protocol means planning for more than 20 services and that is not practical," he said.
Similarly, Muslim leaders have also said they will not be having physical worship in major mosques due to the same reason. "The guidelines given to limit prayers to only 100 persons per session are not practical for Jamia mosque due to centrality in the CBD of the capital," said Abdul Bart Hamid, Secretary General of Jamia Mosque Committee.
However, not all churches are opting to remain closed. Cardinal John Njue of the Catholic church has announced that they will have services in different parishes, with a maximum of 100 people and social distancing maintained. "The parishes will communicate how it will be done, but there will be church service from next Sunday in line with the new regulations," he said.
Other churches, such as the African Inland Church (AIC), have also issued circulars outlining the rules for reopening, with a stern warning that if the rules are flouted, the pastor conducting the service will be held responsible.
Since President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the reopening of places of worship, there has been debate online and off the net on how the directives will be implemented and whether bigger churches will be allowed to admit more members as long as they maintain social distance.
Published on July 12, 2020
