High Court overturns suspension of atheist society

Atheists In Kenya president Harrison Mumia speaks at a Nairobi court on November 1, 2017 concerning the deregistration of the society. Religious leaders called for its disbandment. PHOTO | PAUL WAWERU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Religious leaders called for the disbandment of the group barely two weeks after it had been registered.
  • The atheists are now demanding the resignation of Prof Muigai, whom they accuse of bias.

The High Court has overturned the deregistration of an atheist group.

Atheists In Kenya (AIK) was registered on February 17, 2016 but, just two months later, received a suspension letter from Registrar of Societies Mukulu Kariuki.

Religious leaders called for the disbandment of the group barely two weeks after it had been registered.

PEACE
According to a letter submitted in court, Attorney-General Githu Muigai received complaints from the public regarding the society’s activities.

The letter said there were concerns that AIK had made pronouncements that threatened the peace.

The AIK president, Mr Harrison Mumia, said disbanding the group was unconstitutional.

He accused Prof Muigai of bowing to pressure from religious leaders.

“We were surprised when the AG yielded to pressure from religious groups and suspended our group,” Mr Mumia said.

“We moved to the High Court because we believed the suspension was done in bad faith and was unlawful and unconstitutional.”

AG MUIGAI RESIGNATION
Consequently, the atheists are now demanding the resignation of Prof Muigai, whom they accuse of bias.

“As far as we are concerned, he is not fit to be the government’s legal adviser,” Mr Mumia said.

“Prof Muigai has demonstrated that he cannot protect and defend the country’s Constitution.

“He cannot protect minorities and is openly biased against atheists.”

He expressed delight at the High Court ruling, saying the society would pursue its interests even harder.

Part of its agenda is to fight discrimination.