A STEADFAST GROWTH OF ATHEISM IN KENYA

                                                                

By Riungu Jnr Ikiugu  

     

 
 Harrison Mumia, the President of Association Atheist in Kenya

According to The WIN Gallup International Religiosity and Atheism index

(Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism 2012), 59 % of the world said that they think of themselves as religious people, 23% think of themselves as not religious, whereas 13% think of themselves as convinced atheists with China topping the list with the highest number of atheist at 47%. My question is, why are so many people turning to not trusting the in existence of God and that of Satan. Has the modern church failed to convince the population on the biblical claims or is it that science and logical thinking has superseded the faith belief; a concept I also don't subscribe to?

When I learnt that we have two presidents in Kenya, I was dazed. One president is the President of the People's of Republic of Kenya and the other is the President of Atheists in Kenya (AIK). I discern you are laughing…...President of Atheist in Kenya? How is that!!! Who is he! Who are these Atheists! How can we have non believers in Kenya? How do we have 'devils' in Kenya? I know those are some of the questions that are humming bells in your wits. Yes we have an Atheist President with a significant number of followers in Kenya; indeed a very huge number.

When I first spoke to the self proclaimed President of Atheist In Kenya (AIK), I thought this guy is just seeking some attention. I don't know if there was any free and fair election to elect him or he just woke up and gave himself the title. Interestingly, majority of the atheists recognize him as the president. Just like our president, this guy goes by the title His Excellency the President of Atheist In Kenya (AIK).  

At least I know majority of the social media aficionados and local TV stations lovers are familiar with the this name; Harrison Mumia. He is the self proclaimed President of AIK Association. This guy is popular for openly claiming the non-existence of God, a  decision that not many would have the courage to openly proclaim for fear of discrimination and stigmatization. I personally too don’t know how true it that God exists, but this guy...oops the president is 110% sure that God and Satan are not there at all. The president and his association have many followers in country and out of the country. I hear that he also has mentors from overseas, including  one close mentor to AIK known as Bill Flavell whom Harrison invited in the country on 4^th of July 2014 to give a lecture to fellow atheist in Kenya. The problem I have with the so called president is that he is not a good debater though. Someone needs to train him on this...hahahaha. I can offer to do so President Harry. 

The Atheists in Kenya are so well structured more than many of the churches that are burgeoning at every corner of this state. You will be astounded that AIK runs a website http://www.atheistsinkenya.net/, in which they use it as a medium to reach the existing and new members regarding the upcoming atheist events, issue press statements among many other activities. Just asking, how many churches in Kenya have a website? Are the atheists outsmarting the believers? The group has even embraced technology further to ensure that all the members are on top of  atheist news from within the country and across the globe. President Harrison also runs an atheist WhatsApp group that has attracted more than 100 members where they converse all sorts of things including strategies to promote atheism across the country. They too go overboard to discuss social matters including politics, and sex.

I wonder how many atheists are married to believers?  But why are we having such exodus of believers crossing the bridge over to atheism? Have the men of cloth lost control of their flock? Are the core values of atheism more accommodative than the Christian values? Just to highlight, Atheist in Kenya core values are indeed very appealing, eye-catching and tempting for anyone to join the association.  Just look at the core values:

1. Reason and rational thought: Reason and rational thought are the basis of logical decision making and essential to address the issues faced by humanity. 

 2. Science and empiricism: The scientific method is the best tool we have for seeking truth and understanding our world.  We make conclusions based on the best available evidence and change our conclusions accordingly as new evidence becomes known.

3. Compassion: Human compassion and empathy are the basis of a cooperative social structure that benefits all people.

4. Purpose: This life is the only life we know we will have and it is up to each of us to utilize it meaningfully.

5. Freedom: All people are entitled to freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and disability.  All people are entitled to freedom of conscience. AIK supports the values outlined in the International Convention of Human Rights. 

6. Responsibility: Each person is part of a global society and is responsible for humane interaction with other people and animals and for the preservation of our habitable planet.

Are atheists devil worshippers?

One of the questions that many have always asked is whether atheists are devil worshipers? But I pose a question too, "can devil worshipers really have such kind of well articulated positive human values?" I doubt not.  Unlike devil worshiping, why are so many young Kenyans being attracted to atheism? Is it because of the humane values that the Atheist in Kenya Association holds? In an online interview I had with President Harrison, the members of the AIK are law abiding, human loving and are focused to helping the society. “These reasons among the many are the reasons why our membership is increasing”, Mumia explained during our interview. "However, one of the major reasons why there is a rise in atheism is because the religious arguments about the existence of God are baseless and brain washing.  Why do you belief something you can’t base evidence on?", Mumia added.

The young people in Kenya feel that religious beliefs are enslaving them in pursuing their way of thinking. For instance: Most religious and spiritual beings have branded atheists as blood sucking fools all because they approve the non-existence of God. But who is a fool? Is it someone who believes there is a lion next door without seeing it or someone who doesn't believe just by mere hearsay? “The fear associated with religion is enslaving many people”, said President Harrison.

I however believe that there are a number of other reasons from the pious groups that have contributed to the rise of atheism in Kenya.  I have extensively read the Bible and partially the Qur'an and the contractions in the Bible and the Qur'an are countless. With these contradictions that the men of God cannot explain, why do you imagine that the statistics of non-believers will not rise? For instance, we have various categories of Christians: Catholics and Protestants. Catholics are Catholics but Protestants are of many subgroups with diverse spiritual beliefs. Worst of all with the weirdest beliefs being the Mormons of the Latter Day Saints. Why do their beliefs differ? Why do the Mormons (who are Christians) believe that Eve and God must have had sexual intercourse resulting to the early and today's' generation? If the religious people will not explain these disparities, then growth in atheism will be unstoppable.

 

Christians believe there is life after death or eternal suffering after death at an unknown place called heaven and hell respectively. More weird also, Hindus believe if you are Krisna conscious, you will be born in another life either as a cow, a fly, a fish etc. Indeed, you will be born after 8,400,000 million species into a suffering world. Does that add up? Any sensible argument you can table on that? If the religious people will not explain these disparities and table evidence on this, then the growth in atheism will be unstoppable.

Muslims believe in killing for a good life after death. Apparently for some virgins somewhere we don't know. Honestly, look at the disparities in the beliefs, who is right? For instance, do you mean Hindus will go to hell because they don't belief in hell and heaven? If the religious people will not explain these disparities, then the growth in atheism will be unstoppable.

What I really don't know is whether atheist in Kenya have some source of funding. Is there some fucking rich politicians funding these fellows? Am I not sure if the many Kenyans flocking into this association  are being promised some cash or not. I also don't know know who funds there monthly meetings and parties. Mr. President, are you that moneyed? I also don't know if these fellows date theists or not? 

Anyway Kenyans, if there will be  enough proof that God doesn't exists, then you are at liberty to GO AHEAD AND JOIN. You can join whatever association you want, I damn care less. I don't care if you are an atheist, a theist or a devil worshiper....its your life . I care more on human values. Now ruuuuuuuunnnn to where you belong.