Harrison Mumia and Atheism in Kenya

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen

Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project

Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/01/05

The Atheists In Kenya Society (AIK) is a nonprofit organization founded by Harrison Mumia on February 17, 2016. It promotes the rights and visibility of atheists in Kenya and advocates for secularism and rational inquiry. AIK is affiliated with Humanists International and actively engages in legal and social activism.

Scott Douglas Jacobsen: We’re here with Harrison Mumia. When you hear stories of people coming out as atheists in Kenya and consider the political situation in Kenya, particularly regarding religious influence on politics and society, what stories come forward? What common themes may people need to learn about in Kenya?

Harrison Mumia: Thank you so much, Scott. We’re happy to have this conversation. In Kenya, the public is generally skeptical of atheism because it is still a relatively new concept in our societal landscape.

We see a public that does not necessarily reject the idea that people like us exist, but they portray us as individuals who are misguided or who do not fully understand ourselves. In our interactions with politicians and the public, we frequently comment as a society on political events in Kenya, always striving to maintain a rational and fair approach.

We consistently respond to political matters to ensure that governance is logical and adheres to principles of good leadership. However, the feedback we receive often reflects skepticism. Many people believe there is something inherently wrong with us.

A small percentage of Kenyans agree with us regarding our position as an organization that does not believe in God or the supernatural. However, the majority still need to be convinced of our perspective. That said, we are making progress. Through dialogue, there is slow but measurable acceptance.

This acceptance is very gradual. For example, some politicians have acknowledged us and even supported certain ideas we advocate for, particularly on social media. Prominent lawyers in Kenya are also taking note of our work.

Nevertheless, Kenya is a highly religious country. The Catholic Church, Protestant movements, and the Muslim community wield significant influence in public life, and their views are given considerable weight.

Despite this, we are working hard to ensure our voice is heard. We issue press statements regularly and actively participate on social media to share our perspectives. This helps people see that we have a legitimate voice in public discourse. While skepticism persists, a small but growing minority is beginning to accept our presence.

Jacobsen: What about challenges within families? How do people navigate coming out as non-religious in family structures with greater intimacy and pressure? Families often have specific expectations for men, women, the young, and the old.

Mumia: Many non-religious people prefer not to disclose their position to their families because religion is deeply embedded in Kenyan family traditions.

For instance, family ceremonies, such as weddings, are almost always expected to have a religious component. Most parents strongly believe that religion must be central in such occasions. Our education system also includes a substantial religious component, and even in some public-sector jobs, religion is a factor.

These deeply rooted cultural and societal norms make it difficult for individuals to openly identify as non-religious without facing significant challenges or backlash.

Our education system, particularly in universities, often incorporates a religious component. For example, there are universities in Kenya where you must belong to a specific church or religion to gain admission. This reflects our history as a nation and our deeply rooted religious traditions.

Because of this, many Kenyans are reluctant to disappoint their family members by revealing their religious positions, especially if they are openly atheists. We understand that they often cannot come out openly to their families. This is why we have WhatsApp groups where people can engage and share their thoughts without publicly coming out.

I see a generational transition within Kenya. The younger generation is more open to identifying as atheists, although they tend to do so individually rather than in large groups. On the other hand, the older generation remains deeply conservative and tied to religious traditions.

So, there is a transition happening, albeit slowly. Despite this, the fact that we have a recognized space in Kenya and some degree of legal recognition is a positive starting point. The government’s awareness of our existence is a step forward. That, in itself, is progress in the Kenyan context.

Jacobsen: What about the Constitution or policies that are passed? Is the Constitution formally secular? Are there policies that support secularism? Yet, in practice, that doesn’t necessarily happen.

Mumia: Our Constitution is secular. However, the preamble states, “We, the people of Kenya, believe in the God Almighty.” This explicitly affirms God’s supremacy.

Jacobsen: We have that, too—’affirming the supremacy of God.’

Mumia: Yes, but in Kenya, it gets even more specific. The preamble refers to “God Almighty, the creator of everything.” Religious beliefs influenced the framers of the Constitution, and we understand that.

However, the Bill of Rights is highly progressive. Article 32 of our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, freedom of belief, and freedom of conscience.

On another note, Scott, a significant legal judgment is coming next week. Two years ago, a religious individual sued us, and the court is set to rule on our constitutionality as a society. The judgment will clarify our legal space in light of the Constitution.

The court will deliver its decision next Tuesday. I will share the link if you want to join and listen to the judge’s ruling. It’s an important case, as it addresses our existence and rights as a society.

If the religious groups lose the case, it will be a significant step forward for Kenya in affirming religious freedom. We are optimistic about winning because they initiated the lawsuit. We are the defendants in this case and expect them to lose.

If they lose, it will mark a huge milestone for the legal and constitutional interpretation of non-religious people’s rights in Kenya. So, we’re eagerly awaiting this. We’re making progress.

Jacobsen: There was a comment from a member named Fiona, who made an astute point: “The constitution doesn’t matter, if a certain group of people feel ‘oppressed’ by our existence.” What happens, in this case, in terms of social reprisals? You live in a secular society, and the Constitution is secular. Yes, there’s the ongoing legal situation, but what about individuals who feel “oppressed” by your existence as atheists, believing that your mere presence is somehow imposing on their beliefs?

Mumia: That’s a very interesting point. From my perspective, in Kenya right now, I’ve never seen an atheist being arrested, beaten, or attacked by the government or any forces. I’m the most public atheist in Kenya—everyone knows me. I can travel to any part of the country freely.

I’ve been invited to forums and universities, and in just two days, we’re hosting a public end-of-year party. We’ve publicly announced the location; any Kenyan is welcome to attend. We’ve never faced any physical threats or attacks, and I haven’t had any atheists write to me saying, “Mumia, I’m in danger because I’m an atheist.”

The main challenges atheists face in Kenya are within their families. For example, someone might lose a relationship with their parents after coming out as an atheist. But in terms of general societal interaction, we haven’t seen oppression the way Nigeria has in the Mubarak Bala case.

If such incidents did occur, they would reflect poorly on the government. Kenyans are agitating strongly for fundamental freedoms, including the right to protest and express dissent. While Kenya is a religious nation, many Kenyans are also rational. If a government overreach or repression were to happen, many people would side with us.

For example, you might recall the Gen Z protests. That movement demonstrated how strongly Kenyans value their rights and freedoms.

The Gen Z protest, for example, was not organized by anyone in particular. Despite this, Kenyans gathered outside parliament to protest the finance bill, which introduced heavy taxation that many Kenyans opposed.

Our society supported the demonstrators during these protests, and we received positive feedback. Many protesters appreciated our stance, which was evident on social media.

Let me tell you something, Scott. As long as we continue advocating for human rights and fundamental freedoms, we have the potential to change how society views atheists and our organization. By demonstrating that we care about the same issues as others, we humanize ourselves in their eyes.

Our goal is to show them that we’re just human beings who care about the same things they do. So far, I haven’t seen any violence directed at atheists in Kenya. It’s not like in countries such as Saudi Arabia or Nigeria, where atheists face severe consequences. That would never happen here.

We regularly post memes and commentary on social media, some of which critique religion. Despite this, I’ve never faced threats or heard of anyone saying, “We’re going to arrest Mumia for this.” Kenya is more liberal in this regard.

If there were issues, they would likely be resolved in court, where we have lawyers to defend our position. That’s the environment we operate in, and that’s how I see it.

Jacobsen: What about the case of street preachers, Jehovah’s Witnesses who knock on your door, or a family member or friend who happens to be an aggressive believer? They might say, “The preamble to our Constitution says there is a creator who made you. How could you deny His existence?”

Mumia: Yes, we have Jehovah’s Witnesses here. They still go door-to-door, knocking and sharing their pamphlets. I’ve had them come to my door and hand me literature about their beliefs.

In addition, we often see press conferences by religious leaders who refer to the Constitution’s preamble. They proclaim Kenya as a God-fearing nation because the preamble mentions “the God Almighty.”

However, their assertions begin and end there. They cling to the preamble, but it doesn’t hold much weight for us. To us, it means nothing. We are more focused on defending our fundamental rights and freedoms.

Beyond Jehovah’s Witnesses and a few other groups knocking on doors, the pushback we encounter comes in the form of public statements, such as press conferences where religious groups assert that Kenya is a God-fearing nation. We object to these claims every time they are made.

While we respect their right to express their views, we firmly believe that the preamble has no bearing on our rights or freedoms as non-believers. That’s where we focus our efforts.

Jacobsen: Excellent. Harrison, thank you again.

Mumia: Thank you.

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