A Shock​—Ban in 1973

What a shock to hear a radio announcement on April 18, 1973, that Jehovah’s Witnesses were considered dangerous to good government and were banned in Kenya. True, there had been some stirrings and a bit of adverse publicity here and there but no formal accusations or police action anywhere. Suddenly, true Bible education was illegal!

Efforts were made to see high-ranking officials to clarify matters. A formal appeal was lodged on May 8 but was rejected six days later. In the meantime the registrar-general canceled the registration of the Association of Jehovah’s Witnesses. An audience with the president was subsequently refused. On May 30 an appeal was lodged against the cancellation. The headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York, followed this up with a personal letter from the Watch Tower Society’s president.

On July 5, Jehovah’s Witnesses were a major topic before Kenya’s National Assembly. They were still being confused with a small political sect and portrayed as disrespecting secular governments and refusing hospital treatment. They were even called the Devil’s Witnesses. Of course, all of this showed clearly how misinformed people can be, similar to those who leveled accusations against God’s Son, Jesus Christ.​—Mark 3:22; Luke 23:2.

Next, the government took swift action to expel the 36 missionaries. These had to leave on July 11, 1973. It was indeed a sad moment in Kenya’s theocratic history. In haste, equipment in the ten missionary homes throughout the country had to be disposed of, personal effects had to be crated and stored for shipment to various other assignments.

Yet, the branch office continued open. Preparations were made for a legal case challenging the ban as a violation of Kenya’s Constitution, which guaranteed freedom of worship.

The Ban Rescinded!

Reasonable officials soon recognized that the whole matter was not in keeping with the desire that Kenya be viewed as a moderate, reasonable, democratic country, open to tourists and adhering to human rights. Thus, in August 1973, the government took the courageous step of rescinding the ban. A government notice appeared to the effect that the ban had never really existed. The brothers were jubilant!

For the Witnesses this sudden ban had been a shocking experience and a test of their faith. Yet, it had the healthy effect of sifting out those who had no close relationship to their loving Creator and had not built their faith on the real foundation, our Exemplar, Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 3:11) It became obvious that the Kenyan brothers had to learn to take on more work and responsibilities themselves, not relying solely on missionaries and brothers from other countries who had come to serve where the need was greater. There was also need for more personal Bible study and fervent prayer.