Murkomen says Cabinet to consider tough proposals to tame religious extremism
Musyimi-led task force recommended the formulation of policy framework to deal with religious extremism, sects and cults
The government says it will regulate church activities in a move aimed at curbing religious extremism and protecting the public from rogue church pastors.
Speaking during the Lower Eastern Region Jukwaa la Usalama tour, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted that the Cabinet will next week consider the report by the presidential taskforce led by Mutava Musyimi to ensure religious organisations are governed.
He said the Cabinet will then submit report to the National Assembly for considerations.
“The Cabinet committee has considered a raft of recommendations by the Mutava Musyimi-led taskforce proposing a legal framework for the regulation of churches. Next week, the Cabinet will consider the report and approve it for onward tabling and consideration by the National Assembly,” the CS stated.
“Regulating religious institutions will cushion Kenyans who are vulnerable and swayed by unsuspecting religious leaders who practice extremist doctrines to solve their issues, “ he added.
Murkomen acknowledged the important role religious institutions play, but faulted a few that take advantage of vulnerable faithfuls seeking divine intervention.
He also appealed to the public to work closely with security officers to arrest any suspicious activities before they get out of hand, as was the case in Shakahola, where 446 bodies were discovered in mass graves at a forest in Kilifi County.
They had been directed pastor Paul Mackenzie to starve to death “so as to meet Jesus.”
The CS noted that there are religious leaders skeptical of the reforms, adding that the move will enable self-regulation and enhance government oversight.
Murkomen’s remarks come as a reaction to the recent incident in Migori, where two congregants died and 57 were rescued from a church after they refused to be treated at a local hospital.
The CS lauded the swift action by security officers in Migori County to rein in a church believed to be engaging in doctrines contrary to the Constitution.
“The police acted swiftly and arrested the culprits,” He stated.
The incident allayed fears of a recurrence of a Shakahola-type massacre.
The massacre in Kilifi County led to the formation of the 14-member task force in 2023 by President William Ruto to address the legal gaps that led to the tragedy.
The Musyimi-led task force recommended the formulation of policy framework to deal with religious extremism, sects and cults.
This is to ensure transparent and responsible practice by religious organisations.
