Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has said the government will uphold the constitutional right of freedom of worship even as they continue probing cult activities in Shakahola forest.
The Interior CS while speaking on Sunday, May 7 refuted claims that the government intends to wage war against religious institutions.
He further clarified that their main focus is getting rid of rogue clerics advancing extremism and criminal activities in the country.
“Let me make it clear that we are not at war with religion or the church of Christ; there is no conflict between the government and the church. Our only issue is with the few impostors who are hiding behind religion to engage in criminal activities,” the Interior CS said.
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Moreover, CS Kindiki said the state remains unshaken by such allegations and will stay focused to find and arrest cleric misusing religious influence for ulterior motives.
He also mentioned the Shakahola massacre as evidence of dogmatic violence and spiritual maltreatment that the state wants to avert.
CS Kindiki Kithure also recognized the significant role religious institutions play in Kenya’s social development and security management.
Nonetheless, the Interiro CS cautioned that the government would not hesitate to eliminate unorthodox teachings and illegal activities disguised under the pretext of religious freedom.
“We have heard some individuals alleging that we are fighting the church. We want to make it clear that such claims are baseless. The Constitution of Kenya provides for freedom of worship but killing and such sectarian harm are crimes punishable under our laws.” CS Kindiki noted.
The CS further reported that 112 bodies have been recovered from the Shakahola forest, with the exhumation exercise set to resume on Tuesday after it was paused due to bad weather.
Additionally, CS Kindiki warned that decisive action will be taken against those seeking to politicize the tragedy as well as those who will try to force their way into the area which has since been declared a scene of crime owing to the sensitivity of the issue.
“We have limited civilian access to the area because it is an active operation zone, and we are warning all politicians to keep off unless cleared by security agencies. Next time we won’t be courteous, regardless of your political affiliation.” Said the Interior CS.
