Atheists in Kenya (AIK) have formally withdrawn the petition calling for the removal of the word God from the Kenyan National Anthem.
The society said it reached the decision after consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including religious groups.
In a statement to newsrooms on Friday, Harrison Mumia, the society's president, said the feedback they have received so far, indicates that the country is not ready for a change in the National Anthem.
Mumia said the society believes in the freedom of worship, belief, expression and association, adding that the petition was grounded in the idea that religion and State should be separate as articulated in Article 8 of the Constitution.
“It is our view, however, that the wording of the National Anthem should reflect the diversity of beliefs and opinions in Kenya. This diversity, we believe, is what the President talked about on Mashujaa Day, when he said that we should foster unity,” said Mumia.
He urged the government to ensure atheists are not discriminated upon, as they are part and parcel of the Kenyan society.