Certified doctors should confirm claims of miracles by religious leaders, the Repentance and Holiness Ministry told a senate committee on Monday.
Appearing before the Senate Adhoc Committee investigating the deaths of more than 400 followers of Pastor Paul Mckenzie in Shakahola, Kilifi, the ministry founded by Prophet David Owuor said miracles do exist but must be confirmed.
Zachary Kasipul, a surgeon who represented the church at the meeting, said many people who died at Shakahola may have been looking for miracles.
"Miracles still happen. There are good churches out there that can perform miracles," he stated.
Kasipul claimed to have witnessed a woman who was HIV positive getting healed through a miracle.
The doctor told the committee he conducted tests himself to confirm the woman was free of the virus, after confirming the records of the first tests.
Committee chair Danson Mungatana wondered whether the committee should recommend that the live transmission of miracles be banned just like in other countries.
"This is because people may not be able to confirm these miracles as they happen," he stated.
Baringo senator William Cheptumo took issue with the claims of miracles, saying the guests were using the session to advance the goals of a particular church.
"Let us resist the temptation to use the occasion to push the interests of this church," he added.
Bungoma senator Wafula Wakoli wondered how miracles that cannot be confirmed scientifically can be proven.
Lawyer Gerald Odiwour representing Prophet Owuor said churches have taken advantage of the freedom of worship to exploit people.
