President William Ruto, on Friday, May 5, appointed a task force to review the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations.
Explaining the decision to form the task force, Ruto indicated that the Shakahola mass deaths had opened a lid on the need to regulate religious institutions.
In a gazette notice, Ruto appointed former Member of Parliament for Mbeere South Constituency, Reverend Mutava Musyimi, to lead the task force and will serve for six months.
Other members included in the task force included Bishop Mark Kariuki of Deliverance Church, Bishop Eli Rop, ArchiBishop Maurice Muhatia and Judy Thongori.
Reverend Alphonse Kanga, Faridun Abdalla, Musili Wambua, Joseph Wabwire, Mary Awour Kitegi, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega and Wilson Wanyanga were included in the task force.
Among the roles assigned to the task force included identifying gaps and propose legal and governance changes to prevent religious extremism.
"Formulate proposals on civic education and additions to educational curricula that sensitize Kenyans on identifying , avoiding or leaving religious extremist organisations," the gazette notice read in part.
The task force would also inform standards used to grant certificates to various religious institutions in the country.
"Formulate proposals on standards and minimum certification requirements for all religious organisations and their leaders for them to be allowed to be registered and to operate in their local communities," Ruto instructed the team.
Reverend Musyimi's led team would engage the public in various forums before submitting the report that will be adopted to guide the operation of religious institutions in the country.
Ruto had expressed concerns over the Shakahola massacre. The Head of State reprimanded Pastor Paul Mackenzie, equating his actions to religious terrorism.
"What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola, is akin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr Mackenzie, who pretends and postures as a pastor when in fact, he is a terrible criminal.
"Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mr Mackenzie are using religion to do the same thing," he declared.
Regarding the case, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki indicated that the state contemplated levelling genocide charges against Mackenzie.
