A new bill in Kenya seeks to impose severe penalties on religious leaders who exploit their followers through false claims of miraculous interventions.
The legislation proposes a fine of 5 million Kenyan shillings or up to 10 years imprisonment for offenders.
The bill reads:
“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.”
Crackdown on Fraudulent Spiritual Practices
The task force, established by President William Ruto in May 2023, has put forward a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at regulating religious organizations in Kenya.
These proposals, now incorporated into the Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, target a range of deceptive practices employed by some clergy members to extort money from their congregations.
Stringent Measures Against ‘Miracle’ Scams
One of the bill’s key focuses is on religious leaders who promise “financial favor from God” in exchange for monetary donations. T
The bill also addresses other forms of religious coercion and intolerance:
1. Forced conversion: Religious leaders using force or intimidation to coerce individuals into joining their faith face fines up to 1 million Ksh or three years in prison.
2. Religious discrimination: Those who belittle or threaten others based on their religious beliefs could face fines up to 5 million Ksh or 20 years imprisonment.
3. Political involvement: Religious institutions engaging in political activities or endorsements may be fined up to 500,000 Ksh or face 6 months imprisonment.
Background and Motivations
The task force, led by Dr. Mutava Musyimi, former Secretary-General of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), was formed in response to growing concerns about religious cults in the country.
Its recommendations aim to provide a clear legal framework for governing religious organizations while protecting citizens from exploitation.
Notably, the bill preserves parents’ rights to determine their children’s religious upbringing, striking a balance between regulation and religious freedom.
