At First-ever IRF Summit in Africa, Kenya’s CJ Urges Delegates to “adopt united stance” on Fostering Religious Liberty

“Let this summit be remembered as a turning point—a moment when Africa stood up, not merely in defense of freedom of religion or belief, but in pursuit of a richer, deeper peace grounded in dignity, justice, and the recognition of our shared humanity,” CJ Koome said.

Realized under the theme, “Africa Together: A Continental Call to Religious Freedom”, the IRF Summit sought to explore “the impact of government actions on religious freedom”. 

Credit: ACI Africa

“An array of civil society leaders from across the continent” and the co-chairs  of the Summit, whose principle organizing partners were Pepperdine University (PU) and Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) facilitated discussions around “the context, the challenges, and the path forward for freedom of religion and belief” in Africa. 

In her address, the Kenyan CJ lauded RFI and PU for partnering to organize the Summit that she described as a “very timely conference on African soil,” aimed at confronting the alarming rise in religious persecution, violent extremism, and restrictions on religious expression.

“Around the world, and particularly in parts of Africa, we are witnessing an alarming rise in incidents of religious persecution, restrictions on religious expression, and violent extremism and violence,” she said.

Credit: ACI Africa

CJ Koome added, “These violations are not just attacks on religious freedoms. They strike at the very fabric of our societies and threaten the social cohesion essential for sustainable peace and development.”

On the theme of the Summit, the Kenyan CJ underscored the judiciary’s unique responsibility, saying, “An independent, impartial, and accessible judiciary is the cornerstone of constitutional democracy. Through progressive jurisprudence, African courts have increasingly demonstrated their capacity to stand as bulwarks against discrimination, marginalization, and complicity.”

For her, courts must “position themselves as a critical center against both state and non-state actors that threaten religious liberty.”

Credit: ACI Africa

She went on to point to the transformative power of faith leaders, describing them as “ethical innovators and peace leaders,” and essential actors in times of crisis, mediation, and reconciliation.

“Faith communities are often the first to respond in times of crisis, the voice of conscience in the moment of moral failure, and the bridge-builders in the context of religious and ethnic tensions,” CJ said.

The CJ emphasized that religious freedom cannot be safeguarded in isolation. She called for solidarity, collaboration, and a united continental commitment. 

Credit: ACI Africa

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“It is therefore imperative that we act together and with identity. The ILO Summit Africa presents a unique platform for continental consensus, sharing innovative approaches and post-apocalyptic frameworks to promote and protect religious freedom,” she said.

CJ Koome added, “The ideas that we learn from this summit will help us position our courts with a critical center against both state-of-the-art and state actors that threaten religious liberty.”

In her June 17 address, CJ thanked the organizers of the one-day IRF Summit for choosing Kenya as host of the first-ever Summit in Africa. “Kenya is deeply honored to host this milestone event. It speaks to the heart of who we are as a nation and as a continent,” she said.

Delegates at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Credit: ACI Africa

The Kenyan CJ described Kenya’s 2010 Constitution and highlighted its foundational principles, including human dignity, equality, inclusiveness, and freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion, as enshrined in Article 32. 

Kenya, she said, offers a model for constitutional protection of religious diversity and political expression. “We are a pluralistic society that embraces multiculturalism and respects the dignity of every person to worship, or not to worship, in accordance with their conscience,” she said. 

CJ Koome added, added, “This Constitutional design reflects our broader African leadership and commitment to peaceful coexistence, communal harmony, and mutual respect.”