Atheists in Kenya are demanding that churches begin paying taxes and their status as non-profit bodies be reviewed.
The body of nonbelievers on Tuesday wrote to the commissioner general of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Mr. John Njiraini, demanding that churches should not be exempted from taxation.
Atheists in Kenya (AIK) boss Harrison Mumia argues in the letter sent to newsrooms that churches have been unfairly favored by being exempted from taxation yet they receive large sums of money in donations and offering.He was quoted saying:-
“Where does the money from donations to churches go? Kenyan taxpayers are constantly complaining about the high rate of taxation. We see no valid reason why churches should be tax exempt,” read the statement.
He said that churches must pay taxes as the common mwananchi is taxed and also the church should pay.
The atheists’ society, which has continuously fought for the separation of religion and State, also argues that the classification of churches as non-profit organizations is unjustifiably denying the country revenue.
He also added:
“This is money which could be used to build social amenities vital to the public. Unfortunately, all these things are expensive and difficult for the average tax payer to support.
AIK has been engaging the government as they seek official recognition which they were earlier 2016 granted only for it to be revoked a month later.
However, they have continued their activism on religious and State matters despite their lack of registration.
