Atheists to appeal their deregistration
What you need to know:
- Atheists in Kenya (AIK) became the first registered society in Africa but their success was short-lived as Attorney General Githu Muigai issued a directive to suspend the registration following protests by religious groups.
- A month following their suspension as a legally accredited society, the body of nonbelievers in deity say that they are ready to challenge the disputed decision in court.
Atheists will this week move to court to challenge a decision by the registrar of societies to suspend their registration.
A month following their suspension as a legally accredited society, the body of nonbelievers in deity say that they are ready to challenge the disputed decision in court.
Atheists in Kenya (AIK) became the first registered society in Africa but their success was short-lived as Attorney General Githu Muigai issued a directive to suspend the registration following protests by religious groups.
The group's president Mr Harrison Mumia confirmed the decision but declined to give details into the matters in contention.
“The matters being contested will be made public soon but I can confirm that we are going to court in the next few days,” said Mr Mumia.
They are also expected to challenge an alleged deliberate move to delay the dispatching letter of suspension and apparent move to deny them an appeal over the suspension.
The atheists claim that the registrar of societies deliberately held on to the suspension letter past the given timeline of appeal by five days.
In the letter seen by the Nation and dated April 27, 2016, the registrar gave AIK seven days to respond to the decision to suspend the organisation.
“Take notice that at the expiry of 7 days from the date of this communication, your society stands suspended in line with section 12(1) (b) of the Societies Act and thereby draw your attention to the requisite provisions of the Act,” read part of the letter signed by the Deputy registrar of societies Mukulu Kariuki.
However according to the postage date on the envelope, the letter was apparently posted on May 11, five days past the expiry of the grace period given.
The letter also did not reach the atheists officials until four days ago.
This has sparked fierce protests from the group who are now demanding that the registrar lifts the suspension and they be given a fair hearing.
The atheists who claim discrimination are also demanding an explanation from the AG over his decision claiming he bowed to pressure from religious bodies and was biased towards religions.
