KITUI, Kenya- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that the government is finalizing tough new regulations aimed at cracking down on rogue religious leaders and curbing religious extremism across the country.
Speaking in Kitui during the launch of the “Jukwaa la Usalama” tour in the Lower Eastern Region, CS Murkomen revealed that a special Cabinet committee has reviewed the recommendations of the Presidential Taskforce on Religious Organizations, chaired by Rev. Mutava Musyimi. The full Cabinet is now set to approve the report for tabling in Parliament.
“The Cabinet committee has considered a raft of recommendations by the Mutava Musyimi-led taskforce proposing a legal framework for regulation of churches. Next week, the Cabinet will consider and approve the report for onward tabling in the National Assembly,” said the CS.
The taskforce, formed in 2023 by President William Ruto following the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County, was mandated to address legal loopholes that have allowed cult-like organizations to thrive in Kenya.
Murkomen made the remarks while responding to a disturbing incident in Migori County, where two worshippers died and 57 others were rescued from a church that allegedly barred its followers from seeking medical treatment. He commended law enforcement for acting swiftly to avert a repeat of the Shakahola-style tragedy.
“The police acted swiftly and arrested the culprits. We will not allow the country to be held hostage by rogue religious leaders who prey on vulnerable citizens,” Murkomen stated.
While acknowledging the crucial role that faith-based organizations play in national development and social cohesion, the CS warned that a minority of religious leaders are abusing their platforms to mislead followers with dangerous doctrines.
“Religious institutions should be spaces of hope and healing—not manipulation and harm. This is why reforms are non-negotiable,” he added.
The taskforce has proposed a comprehensive policy framework to guide the registration, operation, and accountability of religious organizations. It includes measures to tackle sects and cults, and enforce transparency and responsible leadership among religious figures.
“This is not about persecuting churches—it’s about protecting lives,” Murkomen emphasized.
The Interior CS also appealed to Kenyans to support the reforms and to collaborate with security agencies by reporting suspicious religious activities early enough to prevent disasters.
“The public must be the first line of defense. If you suspect something is wrong in your community, speak out. Let’s not wait for another Shakahola,” he urged.
Murkomen warned that chiefs and assistant chiefs will be held personally accountable if they fail to act on intelligence provided by the public. He said these grassroots leaders play a critical role in monitoring what happens at the village level.
During the address, CS Murkomen was accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, MPs Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South) and Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East), and other top ministry officials.
He assured Kenyans that the proposed laws will also encourage self-regulation among religious groups while boosting government oversight to ensure safety and accountability.
As part of his tour, Murkomen will also spearhead public engagement forums, mobile ID registration exercises, and monitor security operations in the region.
