The presidential taskforce on the review on the Review of the Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organizations has proposed to hold accountable religius leaders who deceive their congregants for monetary gain.
Religious leaders who deceitfully perform miracles, healings, or blessings to exploit unaware Kenyans will be deemed guilty of an offense if the recommendations by task force are implemented.
The presidential task force submitted the recommendations to clarify the governance of these institutions, which have been incorporated into the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024.
One recommended strategy involves pursuing religious leaders who solicit cash from their congregations under the guise of securing ‘financial favor from God.’
Individuals who are found guilty will face severe consequences, including a fine of Ksh. 5 million, imprisonment for up to ten years, or both punishments.
“A religious leader who by means of any false and fraudulent representations, tricks or schemes as to healing, miracles, blessings or prayers, extorts or fraudulently obtains any financial gain or material benefit from any person or induces the person to deliver money or property to the religious leader commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh.5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to both,” reads part of the bill.
Additionally, any religious leader who uses force, threats, or intimidation to pressure individuals into joining their religion will face a penalty of up to Ksh. 1 million, imprisonment for up to three years, or a combination of both.
However, parents will be legally allowed to decide the religious upbringing of their children.
The task force also proposes that anyone who uses religion to demean another person’s beliefs and engages in actions that endanger their safety will face a penalty of Ksh. 5 million, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.
Churches will not be allowed to engage in politics to gain power or organise a debate in support of a political candidate.
If found guilty, the church leaders will be liable to pay a fine not exceeding Ksh.500,000 or 6-month imprisonment or both.
The taskforce was formed in May 2023, in response to the shocking Shakahola Massacre where hundreds lost their lives through alleged coercion by their religious leader Pastor McKenzie.
The task force led by National Council Of Churches Of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Dr Mutava Musyimi aimed to identify and close loopholes that may have facilitated the growth of religious cults within Kenyan communities.
Kenyans have been subject to rogue pastors with various instances in the past by notorious religious leaders taking advantage of needy followers. Controversial Pastor Victor Kanyari was once exposed for soliciting funds from churchgoers in exchange for miracles, as well as employing scamming tactics to hoodwink his followers.
He used the chemical compound potassium permanganate, which turns red when it comes into contact with water, when washing the feet of congregants to convince people that his prayer was causing blood.
The expose of Pastor Kanyari and McKenzie brought to light how for many Kenyans, despite the occasional incident of fraudulent behavior, churches remain in high esteem declining to demand accountability, becoming the perfect harbour for corruption and exploitation.
