Church leaders in Kisumu have called upon Attorney General Githu Muigai to give some grace period before implementing the marriage certificate directive.
Led by head of the Episcopal Church in Kenya Bishop Joshua Koyo, the religious leaders said the directive would impact negatively on marriages.
Koyo said this is the period many matrimonial services are being carried out by churches.
“This is the month up to December many young people or those who want to solemnise their marriages prefer and the directive will surely affect them,” said Koyo.
Addressing journalists in Kisumu, Koyo blamed the AG’s office for not consulting the church before presenting the directive.
He further added that their input was critical and its absence has led to the uproar by the church.
“The office of the attorney general should have given us a chance to negotiate instead of sending directives from Nairobi,” added Koyo.
The church leaders said increasing marriage certificates cost by over 150 percent is ridiculous.
However, the high court recently suspended the gazette notice that would have seen an increase in the fees charged for church marriage certificates.
The registrar of marriages had issued a notice-wanted preacher to seek fresh permits to conduct weddings and also raised the fees for marriage certificates.
Bishop Mark Kariuki representing the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya moved to court and argued that if the gazette notice dated September 5 was effected then it will make it impossible for thousands of Kenyans to celebrate and legalise their marriages.