The Alliance of Registered Churches of Kenya has opposed forced Covid-19 jabs.
Speaking to the Star, Bishop Samuel Welimo said while the church encourages its members to go for the jab. It is wrong for government to force or deny citizens service because of the jab.
“As a church, we ask the government to set people free to choose what they want," he said.
"Let us tell people about the vaccines, but not force them to get vaccinated."
The Ministry of Health directed that citizens must show proof of Covid-19 vaccination by December 21 to access services.
The move was welcomed by some businesses but also criticised by others.
Less than 10 per cent of the population is currently vaccinated which is about 6.4 million people.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that public services that will be denied to those who have not received the jab include schools, transport, immigration and other state offices.
Other areas where people will be denied services include hotels, bars, restaurants, national parks and wildlife reserves.
The government will start a 10-day mass vaccination campaign on Friday, Kagwe said.
Directives about vaccines have split public opinion globally.
Some politicians and citizens say measures infringe on personal choice while others say they protect the public.
Welimo said the church was on the frontline in encouraging people to go for the vaccination.
“I appeal to the Ministry of Health to set people free to enjoy this Christmas festive in worship place the same way politicians enjoys their meetings with people," he said.
Welimo said that health workers should use places of worship and bus termini during the Christmas festivities country to reach people for vaccinations.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
