The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has now asked religious leaders to back the government’s plan to review regulations governing religious organisations.
He, however, cautioned against blanket condemnation of churches and the clergy over the Shakahola deaths in Kilifi County.
Gachagua said the information being sought by a taskforce formed by President William Ruto is intended to help streamline the registration and records of the religious groups.
The DP said there are elements exploiting the Bible for commercial enterprise and to promote criminal activities.
He, however, said that the government will continue defending the Constitutional Freedom of Worship.
The Deputy President made the remarks during the memorial service of John Njoroge Ndung’u, father of Juja MP George Koimburi, at Full Gospel Church Matangi-Kimbo in Kiambu County on Friday.
“Nobody is fighting the Church at all but there are two or three people amongst thousands of preachers, who are using the Church to drive criminal activities. Even in the government, health and the media there are rogue people. The rogue elements in the church will be dealt with individually.” Gachagua said.
Stating that the government will not allow criminals and extremists to hide behind religion, the Deputy President said those responsible for the events leading to the Shakahola massacre will be held personally liable for the deaths.
“We are not going to punish the church because of an individual’s behavior, those who mislead the faithful must be isolated and take responsibility as individuals. Majority of our pastors are good people, 99.9 per cent of them are good. Allow the government to weed out the 0.1 per cent that is giving the Church of Christ a bad name.” He added.
Asking the religious and church leaders to support the recently launched review of the regulations governing religious organisations, the Deputy President said the government will continue to protect the freedom of worship as guaranteed by the Constitution.
“I want to confirm that the Constitution guarantees the freedom of worship. President William Ruto and I took the Bible and men and swore to defend and uphold the Constitution. We shall guarantee to the letter freedom of worship. Ourselves, the President and I, are friends of the church.” Gachagua noted.
In regards to eradication of illicit brews in the five counties in Central Kenya (Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Kirinyaga), Mr Gachagua commended chiefs and their assistants for the effort in the programme.
He said soon he will convene a meeting for the 1650 chiefs working in the region and also with the religious leaders to review the work done.
The Deputy President announced that the chiefs who have succeeded in eliminating illicit brews and drug abuse in their areas of jurisdiction will be promoted.
“We are determined to eradicate the illicit brews and drug abuse.” He added.
