This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
On July 3, 2019, a petition was submitted to the National Assembly, sparking debate about the Coat of Arms of Kenya.
A resident of Limuru, Kiambu County, Mr. Charles Mangua, claims to have been instructed by God to replace the word 'Harambee' with 'Kenya' on the Coat of Arms.
According to Mangua's petition, he was divinely instructed to make this change, citing the preamble of the Constitution, which states that the Sovereign God over the people of Kenya is the creator of the Universe.
House Speaker Justin Muturi directed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee to consider the petition and report to the National Assembly within 60 days.
The Coat of Arms features two lions, a rooster, and a shield, symbolizing protection, unity, authority, and the will to work.
The inscribed word 'Harambee' means pulling together or all for one.
Mr. Mangua's petition reads, 'I shall not be held responsible for the lives of the people of Kenya by God concerning that matter of the word appearing on the Coat of Arms. You shall all be held responsible collectively and individually before God concerning the matter of the word on the Coat of Arms, which should be reading the name 'Kenya'.'
