Atheists Society Defends Martha Karua over Claims That She is a Non-Believer
Atheists in Kenya (AIK) society has castigated Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua over claims that Nark-Kenya party leader Martha Karua does not believe in the existence of God.
AIK leader Nyende Mumia Nyende in a statement stated that Karua, who is the running mate of the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential running mate Raila Odinga, is not one of them.
The official noted that the Constitution recognizes that every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, adding that Karua is qualified to lead the nation regardless of her religious beliefs.
“Progressive political leadership is 100 percent possible without religious belief. It doesn’t matter whether Martha Karua is an atheist or not, she can still make a great leader,” Mumia said.
“Every person has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion. Every person has the right, either individually or in community with others, in public or in private, to manifest any religion or belief through worship, practice, teaching, or observance, including observance of a day of worship.”
The society demanded a public apology from Mutua within 24 hours failure to which it will raise the matter with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
“Alfred Mutua’s remarks show that he lacks an understanding of the concept of religious freedom and Constitutionalism at large. Such remarks are responsible for the stigma and discrimination that non-believers in Kenya’s face,” he added.
Speaking during a Kenya Kwanza Alliance engagement forum in Nakuru on Thursday, Governor Mutua claimed Karua is an atheist and urged Kenyans to reject her since Kenya is a Christian nation.
“Ile team ingine pale wamemchukua deputy ambaye sisi ambao tunamfahamu… tunajua yeye anasema ni atheist. Haamini ya kwamba kuna Mungu. Sisi ni nchi ya Wakristo. Je, nyinyi mtakubali mtua ambaye haamini kuna Mungu aingie kule kuongoza nchi yetu?” Mutua is quoted to have said.