Strife has broken out in 'The Kenya Church’, an umbrella for forty church groups, after it concluded last week to mobilise its congregations to take a ‘no’ vote on the draft constitution. Opponents of the move claimed they were being forced to vote ‘no’.

Several church leaders stormed out of a meeting held to facilitate civic education claiming that the meeting had been turned into a campaign for the ‘no’ vote.

Secretary General of the Indigenous Churches Council of Kenya, Boniface Karechu, complained that “the small churches have not been given time to ask questions or to discuss this matter.” He went on to claim that there was a “hidden agenda” at the meeting.

Pastor Ndura Waruinge of the Community youth for Christ, one of several leaders to leave the meeting, said: “I have not been convinced why I should not vote for it. We should conduct civic education all over the country instead of making decisions for people.”

Opponents of the draft constitution have voiced fears over the inclusion of a clause which provides for religious courts, particularly Muslim courts based on shariah law.

David Githii, chairman of The Kenya Church, said during the meeting last week, “We are saying that all religious courts and traditional courts not be included in the constitution. These courts are out-rightly unconstitutional”.

Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of the Jesus is Alive Ministries also said: “We have strategies of getting right to the village level to get the persons there to vote ‘no’ to this constitution.” She added: “Our vote and that of our congregations remain ‘no’ until clause 179 changes. If the government chooses to remain adamant, it is their choice. The ball is in their court.”