Nairobi, Kenya — Cabinet Approves Sweeping Faith Sector Reforms Amid Shakahola Tragedy Fallout

In a decisive move to tighten oversight of religious organisations across Kenya, the Cabinet has approved a far-reaching policy framework aimed at regulating faith-based institutions and curbing abuse under the guise of spiritual authority.

The proposed reforms — spearheaded by a presidential task force convened in the wake of the Shakahola Forest tragedy — recommend the establishment of a Religious Affairs Commission, which would be mandated to license, vet, and monitor religious leaders and organisations operating within the country.

The policy, endorsed during a Cabinet sitting chaired by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi, seeks to fill glaring regulatory gaps that were exposed after the shocking discovery of mass graves in Kilifi County. Over 400 bodies, believed to be followers of self-styled preacher Paul Mackenzie, were exhumed earlier this year from the remote Shakahola Forest, where victims allegedly died of starvation or violence in a doomsday cult setup.

“The Government shall not allow criminal enterprises to masquerade as religious ministries,” read part of the Cabinet communique, which underscored the importance of preserving freedom of worship while protecting citizens from spiritual exploitation and fatal indoctrination.

Under the new framework, religious institutions will be required to register formally, disclose their leadership structures, and submit to periodic audits. Preachers, particularly those claiming prophetic or healing powers, will undergo mandatory vetting to verify theological training, doctrinal soundness, and ethical standing.

The Cabinet also recommended amendments to several existing laws, including the Societies Act and the Penal Code, to provide legal backing for enforcement actions against rogue faith leaders. If adopted by Parliament, these measures would represent the most significant shakeup of Kenya’s religious landscape in decades.

While faith leaders have generally welcomed the need for accountability, some clerics have expressed concern over potential overreach or state interference in matters of doctrine and spiritual expression. However, human rights organisations and victims’ families insist that regulation is long overdue and essential to preventing future atrocities.

The proposed Religious Affairs Commission will operate as an independent statutory body, working in tandem with the Attorney General’s Office and relevant ministries to strike a delicate balance between religious freedom and public safety.

As Kenya grapples with the haunting legacy of Shakahola, the Cabinet’s bold stance signals a growing resolve to ensure that faith — however expressed — never becomes a shield for impunity.