An atheist group in Kenya is claiming “blatant discrimination” after the country’s government refused to officially recognize them, citing concerns on “peace and good order” in the country.
Kenya rejects atheist group's request for official registration
The 60-member Atheists in Kenya (AIK) group has been denied official recognition from the government multiple times since last year, according to the groups leader Harrison Mumia.
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A press release announcing the rejection the government said that “‘the interests of peace and welfare or good order in Kenya would be likely to suffer prejudice’ by reason of our (atheist’s) registration as a society.”
“This is blatant discrimination,” Mumia stated in the press release in a reaction, adding that his group is “ part of the Kenyan society, and all we are seeking is to exercise our fundamental freedoms to form a Society.”
The leader also accused the official registrar Maria Nyariki of running her office “through guesswork”, as she cannot possibly know what impact the registration would have, reported the BBC, also adding that there are “church leaders who have defiled minors” and have been allowed to register.
Last year, as the Daily Nation reported, Kenya’s Deputy Registrar of Societies, Mr Joseph Onyango, had rejected AIK on the grounds that its ideology goes against the country’s constitution.
He 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.
Around the world, freedom of religion or belief requires freedom of expression at it’s core. Both fundamental rights are protected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, nearly half of all countries in the world penalize blasphemy, apostasy or defamation of religion.
In 13 countries, atheists can be put to death for their lack of belief.