President William Ruto has appointed a commission of Inquiry to review the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organizations.
While explaining his move to appoint a taskforce on Friday, May 5, the head of state indicated that the Shakahola massacre brought up the need to regulate religious institutions.
Moreover, President Ruto announced in a gazette notice dated May 5 that Reverend Mutava Musyimi will chair the taskforce that will be operational for the next six months.
The committee members include Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr.) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr.) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto and Dr. Faridun Abdalla.
Others are Prof. Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega and Wilson Wanyanga.
Likewise, Martin Ndiwa Talian and Maria Goretti Nyariki will serve as the taskforce’s joint secretaries.
In addition, the head of state noted that the taskforce will be responsible for identifying gaps which have allowed extremist religious organizations to set up shop in Kenya and formulate a legal framework preventing radical religious entities from operating locally.
“Formulate proposals on civic education and additions to educational curricula that sensitize Kenyans on identifying, avoiding or leaving religious extremist organizations,” the gazette notice read in part.
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The commission of inquiry will also review standards used to grant certificates to various religious institutions in the country.
“Formulate proposals on standards and minimum certification requirements for all religious organizations and their leaders for them to be allowed to be registered and to operate in their local communities,” Ruto instructed the taskforce.
As such, the taskforce will seek public opinion in various forums before submitting the report that will be adopted to guide the operation of religious institutions in Kenya.
Similarly, the taskforce will recommend actions that the State may take against individuals and organizations suspected of engaging in extremist religious practices.