To regulate churches or not? The big question after cult deaths

Homicide detectives carrying bodies of cult victims in Shakahola forest, Kilifi County. [Marioon Kithi, Standard]

In the wake of Shakahola deaths suspected to be linked to cultism, the question of whether or not to impose stricter regulations on churches has generated heat in the court of public opinion.

Some churches have been accused of brainwashing and manipulating innocent, desperate congregants including children. Others are now suspected of being tax havens and money laundering schemes for unscrupulous thieves and fraudsters.