Kenya
Kenyan Islamic leaders speak out against female genital mutilation
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 8, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Muslim scholars emphasized that FGM is a cultural — not a religious — practice, and one that goes against Islamic teaching.
Cremation plan for late Kenyan politician stirs debate on faith and culture
By Lauren Markoe — April 24, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Many in this mostly Christian nation view the practice as contrary to their faith and African culture.
East African Mormons look forward to a Nairobi temple
By Fredrick Nzwili — April 18, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Construction of a temple — a setting for key Mormon blessings allowed nowhere else — is a sign that the church has established strong roots in a region.
‘Black Panther’ inspires Kenyan church leaders’ march for Pan-African unity
By Jerome Socolovsky — March 27, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — A network of progressive churches in the United States, inspired by the success of the movie 'Black Panther,' has joined with over 100 Kenyan church leaders in a march to promote a global movement on Pan-African peace, power and prosperity.
The last male rhino of its kind dies. African religious leaders call it a spiritual loss.
By Lauren Markoe — March 21, 2018
(RNS) — 'We believe God cannot commission the death of species that he had brought to life,' said the Rev. Charles Odira, a Kenyan Roman Catholic priest and conservationist.
Interfaith film misses Oscar, but raises hope in Africa
By Lauren Markoe — March 5, 2018
(RNS) — It spreads a message that many Africans say is too rarely heard: that people from different religious groups on the continent can be each other's heroes.
In Kenya, debt-ridden Christian universities struggle to stay open
By Fredrick Nzwili — January 30, 2018
(RNS) — While the Presbyterian university hopes to yet save itself in the face of a shutdown order, concern is also focused on the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and the Kenya Methodist University.
Kenya’s presidential race takes pages from the Bible
By Lauren Markoe — October 11, 2017
NAIROBI (RNS) — Religion has long figured prominently into Kenyan politics. But the great lengths presidential candidates and their supporters have gone to to connect themselves to the Bible and its heroes in the lead-up to this month's presidential election have disturbed many religious leaders and scholars.
Clergy preach peace during Kenyan national elections
By Lauren Markoe — August 8, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Thousands had camped in churches to pray for a peaceful election. Pastors and priests had stressed in sermons that it was the people's right to vote, and urged them to choose leaders who would please God.
Kenyan court orders Catholic bishops to pay Muslim restaurant owner $125,000
By Fredrick Nzwili — June 6, 2017
NAIROBI (RNS) The court found the church in breach of contract and said it had discriminated against the restaurant owner along ethnic and religious lines.
Before Ramadan, food shortages challenge East African Muslims
By Lauren Markoe — May 25, 2017
(RNS) Rising prices reflect plummeting supplies caused by a severe drought linked to climate change that wiped out harvests, depleted water sources and killed livestock.
Halal finds a footing in Kenya, and not only among Muslims
By Fredrick Nzwili — April 27, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) The mostly Christian country is home to a modest 100 halal-compliant food industry businesses, offering Muslims a choice of offerings and convenience, but that market may be growing.
On World Water Day, African church leaders highlight shortages
By Fredrick Nzwili — March 22, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) On a continent where people spend long hours trekking and queuing for water that is not always clean, church groups are drilling wells to improve the livelihoods of women and children.
For gays and lesbians in Mombasa, coming out cuts both ways
By Mkamburi Mwawasi — December 30, 2016
Members of Mombasa’s LGBTI community discuss the pain and pleasure of coming out to friends, family and society at large.
81 Muslims have disappeared along Kenya’s border. Their wives want answers.
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 9, 2016
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) The Muslims, some as old as 50 years, have disappeared or died after security services labeled them terror suspects.
