Presidential taskforce recommendations on rogue churches

President William Ruto [Facebook]

Due to the rising cases of rogue pastors, President William Ruto formed a 17-member task force in 2023 to examine the legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organizations in Kenya.

This decision followed the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, where Pastor Paul Makenzi had been running his church and reportedly luring members to fast to death.

Months later, the task force, chaired by Rev. Mutava Musyimi, concluded their work and made several recommendations.

The Mutava-led task force noted the need for an appropriate policy framework to address religious extremism and cults in the country.

They observed that the existing legal framework was inadequate for addressing these issues.

The report stated in part, "From the foregoing, it is evident that religious extremism, cultism, occultism, and related vices are growing challenges both globally and locally, which need to be addressed through a concerted effort."

It also recommended that religious organizations self-regulate through umbrella bodies anchored in the proposed law.

The task force further proposed the establishment of a Religious Affairs Commission by Parliament.

According to the members of the task force, there is a need for statutory clarity on crimes committed in the propagation of extremist religious ideologies.

Members of the task force include Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev. Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto, Faridun Abdalla, Prof. Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega, Wilson Wanyanga, Mohammad Dori, Abdisalam Sheikh Mohamed, Sujurtha Kotamraju, and Bishop Amos Lewa.