3 Pastors Sue Government For Banning Church Services And Religious Gathering Due To Coronavirus

Three pastors have dragged the Kenyan Government before the High Court for banning church services and religious gathering due to Coronavirus pandemic.

According to Nairobi News, three pastors, Don Mutugi Majau, Joan Miriti, and Alex Gichunge sued the Interior, Health and ICT Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police.

In the suit, the pastors argued that as coronavirus pandemic worsens, Kenyans will look to churches for solace.

They argued that the state imposed the curfew and the restriction on religious gatherings without consulting the church.

They, therefore, proposed that pastors should be added to the list of essential service providers in the fight against the deadly disease.

The petitioner’s lawyer, John Swaka wrote:

“The petitioners (and) other believers are in no way approaching this court in efforts to spread the coronavirus. Their only wish is to congregate whilst adhering to the directive issued.

“The church’s role in such times is to give hope amid the crisis not only in this country but also in the world at large.

“They humbly seek the intervention of the court since their rights and freedoms are being infringed.”

Justice James Makau ordered the pastors to give copies of the case documents to the sued parties before the close of business on April 14, adding that the case will be heard on April 16.