New Bill Proposes Sh5 Million Fine or 10-Year Jail Term for Fake Miracles and Extortion
The government has proposed sweeping measures to regulate religious activities in Kenya to curb extremism, fake miracles and financial exploitation by rogue preachers.
The Draft Religious Organisations Policy, 2024 and Draft Religious Organisations Bill, 2024 developed by the Presidential Taskforce chaired by Reverend Mutava Musyimi aim to create a framework to govern religious institutions. The measures were prompted by the Shakahola massacre where more than 500 followers of cult leader Paul Mackenzie died after being forced into starvation in pursuit of “salvation.”
If passed the Bill will punish religious leaders found guilty of abuse or deception. Those who make false claims of miracles or healing to extort money will face fines of up to Sh5 million or ten years in jail. Those who use coercion, threats or violence to force others into harmful religious practices will be sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Bill also bans political involvement by religious institutions, they will not be allowed to endorse candidates or participate in partisan debates. Violations will attract a fine of Sh500,000 or six months in jail.
To ensure oversight the government proposes to establish a Religious Affairs Commission which will register and supervise religious organisations, develop a code of conduct and promote ethical standards across the sector.
But the draft legislation has been met with resistance from several religious groups who see it as an attempt to control the pulpit. The Church and Clergy Association of Kenya (CCAK) has asked President William Ruto to stop the process and allow wider consultation.
“The constitution is clear that State and religion shall be separate,” said Bishop Hudson Ndeda CCAK’s national chairperson. “We wonder why the government is keen on regulating religious institutions while introducing punitive fines and jail terms.”
CCAK and other groups including Deliverance Church and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) argue that the proposals ignore their earlier submissions to the taskforce. They say the new laws will stifle online preaching, target faith-based media and intimidate clergy from doing their work.
Despite the resistance government officials say the Bill is necessary to protect citizens from being manipulated and exploited under the guise of religion. Once debated in Parliament the proposals will shape Kenya’s religious landscape for decades.
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New Bill Proposes Sh5 Million Fine or 10-Year Jail Term for Fake Miracles and Extortion