The Cabinet has approved a new framework that could significantly change how religious organisations operate in Kenya, nearly a year after the Shakahola cult tragedy exposed glaring regulatory gaps.
This follows recommendations from the Presidential Taskforce on Religious Organisations, a landmark move to safeguard the integrity of religious practice while curbing exploitation.
In a meeting chaired by President William Ruto on Tuesday, the Cabinet adopted a series of proposals that seek to strike a balance between freedom of worship and the need for accountability among faith-based entities.
The reforms place religious leaders at the centre of accountability efforts, emphasising self-regulation over State control.
Key proposals include enacting a legal framework to govern religious organisations, establishing a Religious Affairs Commission, and strengthening umbrella faith organisations for coordination.
The model blends institutional autonomy with supportive oversight and calls for leadership standards, reforms to religious broadcasting, and civic education to promote tolerance and prevent extremism.
The reforms will be implemented through a multi-agency collaboration involving security agencies, interfaith platforms, and educational institutions.
The recommendations stem from the Presidential Taskforce on the Review of Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organisations, which was appointed in response to the Shakahola massacre.
The tragedy, uncovered in 2023, involved the deaths of over 400 people linked to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church, who allegedly encouraged followers to starve themselves to “meet Jesus.”
