Narok spiritual leaders back vetting of churches

Spiritual leaders in Narok county have supported moves taken by the government to form a taskforce to review legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organisations in Kenya.

Led by Bishop Augustine Rugut of Jesus Gospel Power Ministries, Josphat Mwangi of the People Ministry Church Narok and Bishop John Mpurkoi of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Narok Church, they called on chiefs and their assistants to help the government by keeping vigils in the areas of jurisdiction in order to avoid a similar scenario witnessed in Shakahola.

They spoke differently during their church services on Sunday

Rugut said it is sad that more than 200 people have been through cultism and such practices should never occur again in this country.

He commended President William Ruto for putting in place a 17-member task force to regulate churches saying there was no need for other leaders to criticise it as it would bring sanity to the religious organisations.

Rugut defended the churches saying they don’t have any wrongdoings and noting that there are few elements of people who want to use the church for their own self-gain.

The bishop said if a church is found to advancing unbiblical teachings and people disappear mysteriously, those should be investigated by the police and they should be arrested immediately.

On his part, Mwangi described actions taken by Pastor Paul Mackenzie who masterminded the starvation should face the full wrath of the law.

He said Mackenzie needed to be treated just like any other criminal for violating the law and causing death to the innocent people who went to him with a mission of receiving Jesus Christ in their lives.

The pastor said Mackenzie has brought shame to the church community by using falsehoods to do his ungodly acts and take advantage of innocent souls.

Mpurkoi said the move by the government was long overdue and it should have started a long time ago to avoid mushrooming of fake preachers.

He said that as spiritual leaders, they are not afraid of the task force because it is meant well for this country and even the top leadership are God-fearing people and they will not allow laws that will hurt the faithful people.

The cleric said the provincial administration should play a big role in ensuring that churches with doctrines are the ones allowed to operate in their areas so as to prevent shocking revelations like the one of Shakahola deaths.

In a gazette notice dated May 5, Ruto announced that Rev Mutava Musyimi will chair the committee, which will be operational for the next six months.

Ruto said the task force's main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organisations to set up shop in Kenya, as well as formulating a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.

It will also formulate proposals on amendments to various laws to enable the State to effectively tackle religious cults.

The Commission will table proposals on civic education to sensitise Kenyans on the need to avoid religious cults.

In a gazette notice dated May 5, Ruto announced that Rev Mutava Musyimi will chair the committee, which will be operational for the next six months.

Ruto said the task force's main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organisations to set up shop in Kenya, as well as formulating a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.

It will also formulate proposals on amendments to various laws to enable the state to effectively tackle religious cults.

The task force will table proposals on civic education to sensitise Kenyans on the need to avoid religious cults.