Silverio Omari
Religious leaders who deceive people with false miracles, healings, or blessings for financial gain could face legal consequences if recommendations by a task force formed by President William Ruto are implemented. The task force, tasked with reviewing the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organizations in Kenya, proposed clear guidelines in the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, on how such institutions should operate.
One of the key proposals includes prosecuting religious leaders who solicit money from their congregations in exchange for promises of ‘financial favour from God.’ Those found guilty could face a fine of up to Ksh. 5 million, ten years in prison, or both.
The bill states: “A religious leader who, through any false and fraudulent representations, tricks, or schemes related to healing, miracles, blessings, or prayers, extorts or fraudulently obtains any financial gain or material benefit from any person, or induces them to deliver money or property, commits an offence. Upon conviction, they are liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh. 5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or both.”
Additionally, religious leaders who use force, threats, or intimidation to coerce someone into joining their religion could face a fine of up to Ksh. 1 million, three years in prison, or both.
Parents will retain the right to decide the religious upbringing of their children. Furthermore, anyone who uses religion to demean another’s beliefs or threatens their safety could face a Ksh. 5 million fine, 20 years in prison, or both.
The task force also recommended that churches should not engage in politics to gain power or support political candidates. Violations could result in fines up to Ksh. 500,000, six months imprisonment, or both.
This task force, led by former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Dr. Mutava Musyimi, was established in May 2023 to address issues that have allowed religious cults to proliferate, in response to the tragic events in Shakahola, where over 400 bodies were discovered in connection with Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
