NAIROBI, Kenya – A new report titled Religion and Crime in Kenya reveals alarming levels of criminal activity within fringe religious groups across Kenya.
These organizations, which practice doctrines outside mainstream Christian teachings, have been linked to various illegal acts, including exploitation of followers, financial misconduct, isolation practices, and, in extreme cases, orchestrated killings.
Fringe churches in Kenya are described as Christian groups that follow unique worship customs or doctrines typically rejected by the majority of Christians.
The report, co-authored by Kenneth Bundi Mbaya and Phyllis Muriuki, highlights a disturbing pattern of exploitation and control, affecting followers’ physical, financial, and mental wellbeing.
The authors noted that these groups frequently promote rigorous prayer regimens, presented as an exclusive path to solving life’s problems, in a style that echoes structured religious routines yet lacks the standardized observances.
The report underscores high-profile cases such as the 2023 Shakahola massacre, where hundreds of followers died after being indoctrinated into fasting to “meet Jesus.”
In another tragic instance in Kilifi County, elderly individuals were killed by family members under accusations of witchcraft, fueled by religious leaders allegedly motivated by land disputes.
According to the report, these charges of witchcraft were fabricated as a means to accelerate land succession.
In addition to physical harm, many of these groups prohibit medical care, advocating instead for “divine healing” through prayer.
Mbaya and Muriuki argue that members are actively discouraged from seeking professional medical help, with hospital visits seen as a lack of faith.
The report also highlights infringements on children’s right to education, guaranteed under Kenya’s Children’s Act No. 29. Some fringe churches discourage members from enrolling their children in school, citing religious grounds.
Leaders of these groups often argue that formal education contradicts their interpretation of “God’s will.”
The secrecy surrounding these groups further raises public safety concerns, the report states. Worship is often held in hidden locations, such as rented premises or private homes, and entry is strictly regulated.
“Some of these premises are heavily guarded, with militia employed to control access,” said the report, adding that members face restrictions on civic participation, including voting and public health initiatives.
The findings have sparked calls for regulatory oversight, with community leaders urging a crackdown on practices that threaten public order.
The report warns that, left unchecked, these fringe religious movements could propagate radical ideologies with potential for wider social and civil harm.
These organizations, which practice doctrines outside mainstream Christian teachings, have been linked to various illegal acts, including exploitation of followers, financial misconduct, isolation practices, and, in extreme cases, orchestrated killings.
Fringe churches in Kenya are described as Christian groups that follow unique worship customs or doctrines typically rejected by the majority of Christians.
The report, co-authored by Kenneth Bundi Mbaya and Phyllis Muriuki, highlights a disturbing pattern of exploitation and control, affecting followers’ physical, financial, and mental wellbeing.
The authors noted that these groups frequently promote rigorous prayer regimens, presented as an exclusive path to solving life’s problems, in a style that echoes structured religious routines yet lacks the standardized observances.
The report underscores high-profile cases such as the 2023 Shakahola massacre, where hundreds of followers died after being indoctrinated into fasting to “meet Jesus.”
In another tragic instance in Kilifi County, elderly individuals were killed by family members under accusations of witchcraft, fueled by religious leaders allegedly motivated by land disputes.
According to the report, these charges of witchcraft were fabricated as a means to accelerate land succession.
In addition to physical harm, many of these groups prohibit medical care, advocating instead for “divine healing” through prayer.
Mbaya and Muriuki argue that members are actively discouraged from seeking professional medical help, with hospital visits seen as a lack of faith.
The report also highlights infringements on children’s right to education, guaranteed under Kenya’s Children’s Act No. 29. Some fringe churches discourage members from enrolling their children in school, citing religious grounds.
Leaders of these groups often argue that formal education contradicts their interpretation of “God’s will.”
The secrecy surrounding these groups further raises public safety concerns, the report states. Worship is often held in hidden locations, such as rented premises or private homes, and entry is strictly regulated.
“Some of these premises are heavily guarded, with militia employed to control access,” said the report, adding that members face restrictions on civic participation, including voting and public health initiatives.
The findings have sparked calls for regulatory oversight, with community leaders urging a crackdown on practices that threaten public order.
The report warns that, left unchecked, these fringe religious movements could propagate radical ideologies with potential for wider social and civil harm.
