The Cabinet has approved a new regulatory framework to oversee religious organizations in the country, aiming to prevent future abuses and safeguard worshippers’ rights. The decision follows recommendations by the Presidential Taskforce on Religious Organisations, formed after the 2023 Shakahola massacre that left over 400 people dead.
President William Ruto chaired the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, where members adopted proposals to strengthen oversight and promote responsible religious leadership while preserving freedom of worship.“This is a critical step toward protecting our citizens from abuse disguised as religious practice,” said President Ruto, according to an official Cabinet brief. “The freedom to worship must never be misused to exploit or endanger lives.”
The new measures include the creation of a Religious Affairs Commission, a statutory body that will help coordinate activities within faith-based institutions. The framework also outlines minimum leadership standards, improved regulation of religious broadcasting, and civic education programs to counter religious extremism and promote tolerance.
The policy emphasizes self-regulation, urging umbrella faith-based organizations to lead accountability efforts while working in tandem with government agencies. It also proposes collaborative roles for security agencies, education institutions, and interfaith councils to ensure effective implementation.
The reforms were prompted by the deaths of hundreds of people in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, in a cult led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie. His followers were allegedly persuaded to starve themselves to death under the promise of spiritual deliverance.
The tragedy exposed deep flaws in regulatory oversight of religious entities. Mackenzie’s group had operated unchecked for years, despite public complaints and warnings from human rights organizations.
The government formed a taskforce to investigate the legal gaps and recommend actionable steps. Tuesday’s Cabinet approval marks the beginning of what could be a major overhaul in the country’s approach to faith-based institutions.
The proposed Religious Affairs Commission is expected to work closely with existing faith networks and help vet new religious groups, monitor sermons on public media, and track potentially harmful doctrines. However, the Commission will not interfere with doctrinal content or worship styles, according to the taskforce brief. Faith leaders will also be required to meet a set of transparent operational standards, including proper registration, financial disclosure, and regular audits. The implementation timeline has not yet been made public, but the Interior Ministry is expected to draft enabling legislation within the coming months.
The government says the goal is to restore public trust in religious institutions without infringing on constitutional rights. President Ruto’s administration has framed the reforms as necessary to ensure that “no one hides behind the Bible to harm others again.”
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