Kindiki: We’ll deal firmly with rogue clergymen
By Oliver Musembi, June 12, 2023Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has reiterated that the government will not backtrack on its fight against religious radicalisation.
“We will make it impossible for crooks to hide in Church and cause the kind of pain and loss witnessed in Shakahola. The government will not backtrack,” said Kindiki (pictured).
Responding to criticism by some Church leaders on the proposed regulation of religious organizations he added; “The freedom of worship does not include the freedom to radicalize, indoctrinate, and kill people by misusing the scriptures.”
“I have seen some senior clergymen discrediting the pursuit of regulating religious organisations. I disagree with them with utmost respect. There is no turning back in flushing crooks and criminals out of the pulpit,” stated Kindiki.
He spoke as the death toll from the “Shakahola forest ” in Kilifi county rose to 226 after 15 more bodies were found buried in the forest last week.
The deaths are associated with a cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie who has since been charged in court. He reportedly prevailed on his followers to starve themselves to death in order “to meet Jesus.”
Speaking during a Sunday service at Marimanti in Tharaka Nithi county yesterday, he said; “When there are disagreements on any matter; political, economic or social, we must as a country learn to be democratic and use institutions to resolve such grievances.”
On the issue of the controversial Finance Bill, the CS asked legislators to reach an amicable solution without resorting to demonstrations.