We will enforce law to tame rogue pastors, DP Ruto says

The Government will tighten regulations on registration of religious organisations and their leaders to tame rogue pastors.

Deputy President William Ruto said the Government recently passed a law on registration of bishops, pastors and other clergy in a move to protect faithful from cons.

Speaking during a revival conference for Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, Mt Kenya South Region at Embu Stadium yesterday, Ruto regretted that the church had been invaded by unscrupulous business people who defraud gullible followers.

He said the rogue pastors, who he did not name, purport to sell holy water and seeds of prosperity to the worshipers only to end up fleecing them.

“When Jesus found people engaged in buying and selling in the temple, he whipped them. We will not allow con businesses to continue in churches. Those purporting to sell seeds to Kenyans should instead be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.

Ruto made the remarks at a time Kenyans are concerned about bishops and pastors who preach prosperity gospel to their followers while amassing wealth from them. The Deputy President said the Jubilee government acknowledges and recognises the church as a valuable partner in efforts to develop the country through its role in provision of education, health and unifying Kenyans.

Ruto who was hosted by the Full Gospel Embu Bishop Samuel Muriithi and was accompanied by Senators Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka-Nithi), Lenny Kivuti (Embu), Embu Governor Martin Wambora and Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire, among others.