Tana River County Senator Danson Mungatana has expressed strong support for the proposed Religious Organizations Bill 2024, highlighting the necessity of regulating religious practices in the wake of the tragic events in Shakahola. Mungatana emphasized that the number of deaths resulting from the Shakahola cult surpasses casualties from multiple terrorist attacks in Kenya, making urgent reform in the religious sector imperative.
In a morning interview on a local TV station, Mungatana underscored the staggering death toll associated with the Shakahola tragedy, likening it to notorious incidents such as the 1998 bombing at the Cooperative Building, the Shanzu attack, and the Westgate Mall siege. He pointed out that the Shakahola massacre has consumed substantial financial resources, particularly in the ongoing efforts to exhume bodies and conduct DNA tests.
“Many forget that the number of people who died in Shakahola exceeds the casualties in several terrorist attacks. The exact number of deaths is still unknown, with bodies continuing to emerge. This tragedy has claimed more lives than any other event in Kenya’s history, apart from the Mau Mau killings,” Mungatana stated.
The senator revealed that a Senate committee investigating the Shakahola tragedy uncovered evidence of cult-like practices in other regions of the country. He recounted disturbing findings from visits to sites where individuals were discovered chained and locked up in the name of prayer, often suffering from severe mental health issues.
“When we investigated, we found individuals subjected to being locked up and chained for prayer rituals, similar to what was happening in Shakahola. This is why regulation is critical,” he added.
Mungatana clarified that the proposed bill aims to regulate all religious organizations, not just Christian ones. He noted that many Kenyans questioned the government’s failure to prevent the Shakahola massacre during the Senate probe, which ultimately spurred the call for tighter regulations.
The Religious Organizations Bill 2024 seeks to combat religious exploitation by imposing stringent penalties for fraudulent practices. Religious leaders found guilty of performing false miracles or deceiving followers for financial gain could face fines of up to Ksh5 million, a 10-year prison sentence, or both. Coercive practices, such as forcing individuals to join a religion through threats or intimidation, will carry fines of up to Ksh1 million or a three-year prison term.
Religious Bill
Additionally, the bill prohibits religious institutions from engaging in political activities, with violations attracting fines of up to Ksh500,000 or six months in prison.
It also mandates annual financial reporting and proposes the creation of a Religious Affairs Commission to oversee compliance and promote transparency. This commission will have the authority to inspect financial records, and institutions that fail to comply will face penalties.
