Sakaja Clarifies Why He Won't Shut Down Noisy Churches

Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, was on Friday, December 2 forced to explain why he spared churches from the crackdown on premises responsible for noise pollution.

In a statement, he noted that places of worship, including mosques and churches, which have been accused by Nairobi residents of noise pollution, will be looked at again in the near future.

He further revealed that his government will engage them regarding the concerns raised before banning the night church services, popularly known as "keshas", the same way he did with the nightclubs.

Inside the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi. /FILE

"Even with the nightclubs; we didn’t start by shutting them down. We spoke to them over time, and they agreed to comply but some ignored. Then we took action.

"We are asking churches and mosques to be considerate, and we will have a discussion with them. There will be order," he promised.

Speaking during the official commissioning of the Green Park bus Terminal on Thursday, December 1, Sakaja disclosed that he would hold talks with the religious leaders to listen to their issues.

It is afterwards that he will come up with rules and regulations that will be used to hold the places of worship accountable.

"I will not close the churches. We want them to spread the gospel of obeying rules and regulations.

"I will initiate talks with them because we must be reasonable and accommodate each other in the city," he said.

On the matter of banning bars and restaurants in residential areas, Sakaja affirmed that his decision still stands and that those who expressed fear that there would be job losses, as a result, are just creating pity stories.

 "I will not go back on the abolition of bars and restaurants from residences. We have closed that chapter. Let us move on.

"Those saying people will lose jobs are seeking sympathy. It is the right thing to do although is unpopular," he added.

His verdict came amidst huge pressure from social groups and a section of Kenyans who had put him on the spot regarding the noisy churches in residential areas.

The Atheists In Kenya Society (AIKS) commended Sakaja for implementing the ban, though they accused him of only focusing on entertainment joints and not including places of worship which have also been accused of noise pollution in residential areas.