The government is mulling introducing stringent regulations on establishment and running of religious organisations.
This is following the unfolding events surrounding a Kilifi Cult feared to have lured tens of its members to their death.
While the police continue to probe the Kilifi Cult Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki says details revealed so far points to abuse of the constitutional freedom of worship.
Police have for the last few days been digging out bodies in mass graves, believed to be of members of the cult.
So far, at least 40 bodies have been discovered in the expansive Shakahola Forest owned by the pastor who is currently in police custody.
“The unfolding Shakahola Forest Massacre is the clearest abuse of the constitutionally enshrined human right to freedom of worship,” Prof. Kindiki said on Sunday.
“Prima facie, large- scale crimes under Kenyan law as well as international law have been committed,” he added.
Freedom of worship
The CS further noted that as much as the government respects the freedom of worship enshrined in the constitution, it also has a duty to protect its citizens.
He said it was time tougher regulations were put in place, including self regulation for churches, mosques and other religious organisations.
“While the State remains respectful of religious freedom, this horrendous blight on our consience must lead not only to the most severe punishment of the perpetrator(s) of the atrocity on so many innocent souls, but tighter regulation (including self-regulation) of every church, mosque, temple or synagogue going forward,” CS Kindiki said.
Meanwhile, the CS directed deployment of more security to the Shakahola Forest to enhance search of more bodies and other members of the cult believed to be starving themselves to death under influence of Pastor Mackenzie’s teachings.
He also said the forest had been declared a scene of crime.
“While the Multi-agency security team on site is doing their best to unearth the truth and prevent further loss of lives, I have directed the Regional Commissioner for Coast Region together with the Regional Security Team to reinforce the team in Malindi ahead of my visit on Tuesday,” Kindiki said.
“Enough security officers have been deployed and the entire 800 acre forest is sealed off and declared a scene of crime,” he added.
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