Cabinet Secretary Machogu issues a warning against compelling students to attend church as an investigation into Daystar University commences
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has ordered an audit into Daystar University’s policies and practices following allegations that non-Christian students are being compelled to attend chapel services. CS Machogu directed the Commission for University and the principal secretary for Higher Education, Beatrice Inyangala, to conduct a thorough investigation within two weeks. The university’s admission process involves students signing a code of conduct, committing to uphold its Christian values and actively engage in spiritual discipline. The ministry expressed concern that the university’s policy potentially violates the Constitution and freedom of religion and belief.
Responding to Nyali MP Mohammed Ali during a National Assembly appearance, Mr. Machogu highlighted that the university clarified that all students are admitted with full awareness of its Christian background, philosophy, and teachings. Despite the university’s policy requiring students, irrespective of their religious affiliation, to attend a minimum of 75% of all scheduled chapel services, the administration denied any conditional linkage between the release of students’ marks and attendance at chapel services. However, Mr. Machogu expressed the ministry’s unease, pointing out that the policy potentially violates the Constitution and freedom of religion and belief under Article 32.
Referring to a Court of Appeal ruling last year, where learners from the Jehovah’s Witness faith secured a declaration that compelling students to participate in interfaith activities contradicting their faith is a violation of freedom of religion, Mr. Ali underscored the freedom of Kenyan students to attend any university irrespective of their religious foundations. Following the proceedings, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed Mr. Machogu to dispatch officers to Daystar University for a comprehensive investigation. The CS and Mr. Ali are expected to appear before the Committee on Education in a fortnight, with Chair Julius Melly subsequently tabling a statement on their deliberations.
