• He, however, noted that the regulations should not be used to condemn all religious institutions.
• He also urged the state to prosecute the perpetrator and his accomplices to the fullest extent of the law.
Image: TWITTER
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi now wants the state to put in place measures that will ensure the growth of cults in the country is stopped.
Speaking on Tuesday, Moi said using religion to cover up heinous acts should never be tolerated in any civilised society.
He, however, noted that the regulations should not be used to condemn all religious institutions.
"The government must begin instituting measures to prevent the proliferation of vicious cults and other proscribed sectarian groups to ensure Kenyans' safety and well-being. But in doing so, we must also strive to avoid blanket condemnation of all religious groups and institutions," Moi said.
"Kenya is a country that prides itself on a robust Bill of Rights, which grants us the freedom of worship. However, using religion as a cover to perpetrate heinous acts of any magnitude should not be tolerated in a civilized society."
The former Baringo senator called on authorities to hasten the process of exhuming the bodies, as well as psychological and rehabilitation support to the survivors and the affected families.
He also urged the state to prosecute the perpetrator and his accomplices to the fullest extent of the law.
Moi also condoled with families that have lost loved ones in the Shakahola massacre.
"As the nation comes to terms with the harrowing revelations of the existence of a religious cult in Shakahola, Kilifi County that has been indoctrinating and starving people to death, I offer my deepest condolences to the affected families."
His remarks come after the number of bodies exhumed in Shakahola village rose to over 70.
The controversial preacher, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, is in custody, pending a court appearance.
He was arrested on 15 April after discovering the bodies of four people suspected of having starved themselves to death.
Nthenge has denied wrongdoing but has been denied bail. He insists that he shut down his church in 2019.
The followers say he told them to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".
The 800-acre (325-hectare) area of forest at Shakahola has been sealed off for the search operation.
Police expect to find more bodies that are buried in shallow graves.