Shakahola Massacre

A task force constituted by President Ruto to review and regulate frameworks governing religious organizations in Kenya has today begun its public hearings.

The public is invited to submit their views to the 17-member team chaired by Rev. Mutava Musyimi.” The task force is expected to submit its recommendations within 6 months.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure maintained that the government is out to flesh out rogue preachers who are using the “Holy scriptures to mislead, radicalize and indoctrinate their followers”.

“The operation on criminals hiding behind religion is not a war against any faith or institution. Crime knows no religion. The third phase of exhumation of bodies at Shakahola forest commences tomorrow, Monday, 5th June 2023,” he said.

The task force was established in a gazette notice dated May 5, following the Shakahola Massacre that has shocked the nation and globe at large.

Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr.) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr.) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto and Dr. Faridun Abdalla will sit on the committee as members.

Kindiki on Sunday revealed that as the exhumation of bodies resumes at Shakahola, 22 mass graves that could contain multiple bodies have since been recovered.

The task force’s main responsibilities will include identifying gaps that have allowed extremist religious organizations to set up shop in Kenya, as well as formulating a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.

It is also required to formulate proposals on amendments to various laws so as to enable the State to effectively tackle religious cults. The task force will also table proposals on civic education to sensitize Kenyans on the need to avoid religious cults.

The committee will also be required to recommend actions that the State may take against individuals and organizations suspected of engaging in extremist religious practices.

For more on this story and for all up-to-date information on the Shakahola Massacre, including the latest death toll, read:

‘Shakahola Massacre: latest news and established death toll’