Nearly three decades since the late former President Daniel Moi formed a Commission of Inquiry into devil worshipping in Kenya, the country is once again grappling with religious cults.
Report findings were first presented to President Moi in 1995 but he announced it could not be made public since it contained sensitive information.
Satanism was reportedly rampant in the country, according to the report and that a special police force was to be set up to tackle the problem.
At the same time, the report revealed that religious cult was a growing concern in Kenyan schools and society in general.
The commission that was chaired by then Nyeri Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima released a report that was tabled in Parliament in 1999.
Other commission members included Dr Rev Jones Kaleli, Fred Ojiambo, Crispo Ongoro, Prof Jude Ongonga, Philista Onyango, Bishop Horace Etemesi and Bishop David Njue. Joint secretaries of the commission were Josiah Okumu and Virginia Maina.
Archbishop Nicodemus Kirima who was the chairman of the commission died on November 27, 2007.
Rev. Bernard Muindi was the moderator of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) from 1991-1997. He was the founder of Tumaini Children’s home in Riamukurwe, Nyeri County. He died on June 12, 2017.
Fred Ojiambo is a Kenyan advocate. He was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya in 1975. Senior Counsel (SC) Ojiambo also served as Chair of the Law Society of Kenya from 1988 to 1991.
Rev Jones Kaleli of the African Inland Church is an associate professor of intercultural studies at Liberty University.
The reverend, is a lecturer at Kabarak University, who has also held different leadership roles in the institution.
Horace Etemesi of the Anglican Church was consecrated on 29 August 1993. He served as Bishop of Butere Diocese from 1993 to 2003.
Reverend Etemesi also served in the Kiruki Commission as Vice Chairperson. The Commission was established by President Mwai Kibaki to inquire into the scandal of two Armenian brothers - Artur Margaryan and Artur Sargsyan.
Dr Philista Onyango was a lecturer at the University of Nairobi from 1977 to 1996.
Prof Jude Ongoga is a Lecturer at the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi.
The 1990s happenings mirror the horrific tales of Shakahola. On May 5, 2023 President William Ruto, appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the death and burial of more than 110 people whose bodies were buried at Shakahola Forest.
In a Gazette Notice, President Ruto named Court of Appeal Judge Lady Justice Jessie Lessit to lead the team to unravel the truth behind the tragedy.
Other members of the team included Lady Justice (Rtd.) Mary Muhanji Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Jonathan Lodompui (Dr.), Frank Njenga (Dr.), Wanyama Musiambu and Albert Musasia.
Joint Secretaries to the commission were Oliver Kipchumba Karori, Rachel Maina, while the Lead Counsel was Kioko Kilukumi.
At the same time, Ruto named a 14-member team to look into regulatory framework of religious organisations in the country. Former National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) Secretary-General Mutava Musyimi is the chair of the team.
Other members include Deliverance Church Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, and renowned family lawyer Judy Thongori.
