NAIROBI, Kenya, May 3 – A cross section of religious leaders have called on the government to expedite investigations and get to the root of the Shakahola cult which has so far led to the discovery of over 100 bodies.
Speaking at a press conference Archbishop Martin Kivuva noted the prosecution should not target embattled preacher Paul Mackenzie, and his accomplices but also bring state officers who over the years facilitated the criminal activity through complicity or being compromised.
“We call on the government to expedite investigations and prosecute not only pastor Mackenzie and accomplices in church but also thee state officers who have over the years facilitated him to engage in criminal activity through complicity or being compromised through bribery,” he said.
The clerics said the narrative that churches should be regulated is a way to divert from the crime that has shocked the world.
“We find that the narrative being driven about churches and extension, religion need to be regulated is a façade meant to divert attention from the real problem, which is that the state failed to play its role of dealing with crime,” he added.
Archbishop Kivuva said they are opposed to government plans to revise the 2016 Religious Societies Regulations adding that they have self-regulation guidelines.
“On our part, we are continuing with internal consultations to structure self-regulation guidelines that will cater for all religions in the country,” he stated.
The need to self-regulate comes after President William Ruto indicated that he will form a task team in conjunction with the clergy to help formulate a self-regulation mechanism to root out fraudulent religious leaders seeking to “abuse religion” for personal gain.
Speaking on Sunday during a prayer service in Makutano, West Pokot County, President Ruto said the move will provide a mechanism for compliant church leaders to report rogue elements.
“We will come up with a taskforce, so that we can weed out the characters who want to abuse religion, to run businesses and things that are anti-religion in Kenya,” Ruto said.
He noted that the envisaged framework will provide the religious leaders and institutions with the necessary mechanisms to identify those who are operating against the law.
