Some pastors in Kenya has reportedly sued government for banning churches to hold service and religious gathering due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The government of Kenya had announced a lockdown order to curb the spread of the pandemic in the country.
Justice James Makau of The High Court on Friday revealed that the three pastors, Don Mutugi Majau, Joan Miriti, and Alex Gichunge sued the Interior, Health and ICT Cabinet Secretaries, the Attorney-General and the Inspector General of Police.
Nairobi News reported that the hearing has been set for April 16.
Justice Makau ordered the pastors to give copies of the case documents to the sued parties before the close of business on April 14.
In the suit, the pastors argued that as coronavirus pandemic worsens, Kenyans will look to churches for solace.
They argued that the state imposed the curfew and the restriction on religious gatherings without consulting the church.
They, therefore, proposed that pastors should be added to the list of essential service providers in the fight against the deadly virus.
The petitioners’ lawyer, John Swaka, said : “The petitioners (and) other believers are in no way approaching this court in efforts to spread the coronavirus. Their only wish is to congregate whilst adhering to the directive issued.
“The church’s role in such times is to give hope amid the crisis not only in this country but also in the world at large.
“ They humbly seek the intervention of the court since their rights and freedoms are being infringed.”
