Ruto rules out blanket crackdown on churches as Muturi defends Shakahola probe

Attorney General Justin Muturi, however, defended the formation of the commission of inquiry into the deaths that have horrified the country and the world.

Ruto said the State will not take blanket action against churches but, will be firm on a few elements taking advantage of religion to abuse and kill Kenyans.

“As a government we have taken the decision that we are going to deal with the individuals that abuse the sanctity of faith and the word of God in the manner with which we deal with all other criminals,” he said.

More than 200 bodies have been exhumed of people believed to be members of the Good News International church who starved themselves to death after heeding extremist teachings by preacher Paul Mackenzie.

We do not want an iota of blame on the church. We do not want any blot to be on the church became of the activities of a few people

While most starved, others were strangled or smothered, especially if they wanted to live and tried to escape.

Makenzie, his wife and other preachers are in police custody pending conclusion of investigations.

Consequently, the government has been under pressure to crack down down on the church to weed out rogue preachers who take advantage of religion to brainwash, fleece and kill their followers.

Speaking at AIC church in Milimani, Nairobi, the head of state said they will not blame all churches, or religion, for the actions of a few people.

“We do not want an iota of blame on the church. We do not want any blot to be on the church because of the activities of a few people,” he said.

He essentially ruled out a clampdown on religious activities,

Ruto pledged that government will leave no stone unturned in the Shakahola saga to ensure the culprits are brought book

He placed his confidence in the commission of inquiry he recently formed and security agencies probing the cult matter to unearth the details.

“I want to assure you that the government of Kenya is going to get to the bottom of what really happened. Give us a little time,” the President said.

“Our security agencies are working round the clock so that we can unravel these acts that shame the people who want to abuse the sanctity of religion and cause loss of life in the republic,” Ruto said.

Two weeks ago, the President set up a judicial commission of inquiry into the deaths, led by Court of Appeal judge Jessie Lessit.

DCI officers and a Senate ad-hoc committee are also probing the deaths.

However, the opposition has challenged the move in court, stating the President has no power to pick the team. Azimio argued that such powers are only bestowed on Parliament.

But the AG, in a submission to the Senate committee probing the deaths, stated that the President acted within the law and powers bestowed on him by the Constitution.

“There is no justification for anyone to question the President for setting up the two processes. Parliament has the mandate of the people, so does the President. The President's processes should be allowed,” Muturi said.

Yesterday, Ruto indicated the government was taking the route of self-censorship and self-regulation of religion.

The President has also formed a taskforce that would suggest means of self-regulation.

I want to ask our religious leaders, the religious fraternity, that we work together towards formulating what our religious leaders and institutions will give us as the benchmark. [This will help us learn] how we avoid situations where individuals abuse religion, extort people and even destroy lives,” he stated.

“We have to be sensitive and I’m confident our religious leaders will give us the guidance on how we are going to make sure that true religion, belief in God, faith and commitment to scripture is not taken advantage of,” the President said.

On Friday, 22 more bodies were exhumed, bringing the total to 201.

The victims are believed to be followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie 

One of Mackenzie's followers was also arrested during the rescue operation, bringing to 26 the total of people arrested so far.

Coast regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said the operation has been suspended until Tuesday.

She said so far  610 people have been reported missing at the tracing centre.

(Edited by  V. Graham)