In a move to curb exploitation within religious organizations, President William Ruto’s task force has put forth comprehensive recommendations aimed at regulating the conduct of religious leaders in Kenya.

The proposed Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, seeks to address the growing concerns over fraudulent practices, particularly those involving false miracles, healings, and financial extortion.

This initiative comes in the wake of alarming incidents, including the Shakahola tragedy, which highlighted the dangers posed by unscrupulous religious figures.

One key provision of the bill stipulates that any religious leader who employs deceitful means to extort money from their congregation will be committing a criminal offense. Offenders could face fines up to Ksh.5 million, ten years in prison, or both.

This measure seeks to protect vulnerable individuals from being manipulated by leaders who promise divine blessings in exchange for monetary contributions.

“A religious leader who by means of any false and fraudulent representations, tricks or schemes as to healing, miracles, blessings or prayers, extorts or fraudulently obtains any financial gain or material benefit from any person or induces the person to deliver money or property to the religious leader commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding Ksh.5 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to both,” reads the bill partly.

The bill also addresses coercive practices, imposing penalties on leaders who use threats or intimidation to recruit followers. Offenders could be fined up to Ksh.1 million or face a three-year jail term.

This provision aims to safeguard individuals’ rights to choose their religious beliefs freely.

The task force, led by former National Council of Churches of Kenya Secretary-General Dr. Mutava Musyimi, also seeks to prevent religious organizations from engaging in political activities.

The bill prohibits churches from using their platforms to support political candidates or parties, with penalties for violations including fines of up to Ksh.500,000 or six months in prison.

President Ruto has expressed a strong commitment to rooting out those who exploit faith for personal gain.

“Those evil men and women who use the name of God to take advantage of the citizens and fleece them must be uprooted,” said President Ruto.