Kenyan atheists' group issue ultimatum over their registration

Atheists In Kenya chairman Harrison Mumia. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

An association of Kenyans who do not believe in God has written an ultimatum to Attorney-General Githu Muigai seeking their registration as an umbrella organisation.

The Kenyans, through their group, Atheists In Kenya (AIK), have asked Prof Muigai to explain in writing within 14 days why their registration was rejected or it will take legal action.

The Deputy Registrar of Societies, Mr Joseph Onyango, had rejected AIK on the grounds that its ideology goes against the Constitution of Kenya.

Mr Onyango quoted the preamble of the Constitution, “We, the People of Kenya, acknowledging the Supremacy of the Almighty God of All creation…” during the disqualification.

He argued that “the Preamble of our Constitution recognises the supremacy of God Almighty,” which AIK's ideology violates.

However, AIK chairman Harrison Mumia rejects the interpretation, saying “that the Bill of Rights fully protects atheists and allows them to form an association.”

In a statement to the press, he argued that they were entitled to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed freedom to associate by being able to form an association.

INFRINGEMENT OF RIGHTS

“Article 32 (1) of the Constitution says, every person has a right to freedom to conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion,” he stated.

He said the registration denial is an infringement of their rights, since the same Constitution provides the protection of minority groups.

“Atheists being suppressed by dominant religions, fall under the minority groups. Why should we then be denied registration yet other minority groups like gays and lesbians have been allowed,” he told the Nation by phone.

On April 27, this year, the High Court ordered the NGOs Coordination Board to recognise and register a gays' lobby it had earlier rejected on moral and religious grounds.

The court ruled that the Constitution allows recognition and protection of the rights of “every person”, including minority groups such as gays and lesbians.