First,there was a death tax in Kiambu, then Kuku tax in Kakamega and now preaching tax in Nyeri.What will be next? Bishops in Nyeri County have taken to the streets for a cause different from that many have known them for.
The church leaders representing over 1200 bishops held demonstrations against the introduction of levies by the County Government in the Finance Bill
The rare spectacle took place today- Wednesday, as the protesting men of cloth demanded to be addressed by Governor Nderitu Gachagua.
Led by their chairman Reverend Charles Muchiri, the bishops said that imposing taxes on the churches would curtail their ministry adding that the church should not be commercialized by being categorized as business entities.
The bishops reiterated that the Sh 10,000 to be charged daily for open air crusades held was too much.
They however said that although they are not against paying taxes, being a source of revenue for the county, it should not be at the expense of the church.
“The services rendered by the church to the people are free and such a high tax imposition will greatly affect the spreading of the gospel,” said Rev Muchiri.
The bishops later marched to the County Assembly where they urged the County Assembly Members not to pass the proposed Finance Bill.
By Diana Kariuki
Source-citizennews.co.ke
Protest as Nyeri Governor Impose a Preaching Tax on Churches
