Full Gospel Churches of Kenya (FGCK) North Rift Bishop Eli Rop is among a host of clergymen and women named members of a taskforce that will review operations of religious organisations in the country.
President William Ruto set up the Taskforce on Friday.
In a gazette notice, Ruto said the taskforce will be mandated to among others identify challenges and gaps that may have allowed operation of religious extremism organisations, cult and sects in the country.
The taskforce will be chaired by former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary General Mutava Musyimi.
Further, the President named 16 other members including Bishop Rop, who is also the founder and Director of Sauti Ya Rehema (SAYARE) Radio and TV.
Others are Deliverance Church head Bishop Mark Kariuki, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Rev. Dr Alphonse Kanga and Bishop Phillip Kitoto.
Extremist religious organisations
Judy Thongori, Dr Faridun Abdalla, Prof Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, lawyer Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega, as well as Wilson Wanyaga are other members.
Martin Ndiwa Talian and Maria Goretti Nyariki were named as joint secretaries to the taskforce.
The taskforce will also be required to make proposals on changes required to prevent extremist religious organisations and formulate a public reporting mechanism to report harmful religious organisations.
It will further be expected to recommend minimum certification for religious organisations and leaders before they are registered.
The taskforce has six months to submit it’s report alongside recommendations and proposals.
It was set up at a time there is an ongoing probe into alleged death of Good News International Church members believed to have starved themselves to death in Shakahola Forest.
The church is linked to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
