Explainer: When observed religion becomes a cult and where to draw the line

Shakahola Forest in Malindi, Kilifi County declared a scene of crime. [Interior Ministry]

Time to regulate churches?

The recent happenings have ignited the debate on whether churches should be regulated.

The Standard reported that in 2015, the government came up with laws requiring clerics to submit certificates of good conduct and their theological training certificates.

Dubbed Religious Societies Regulations 2015, the rules, aimed at regulating religious bodies required that all pastors must hold a theological certificate from an accredited theological institution.

"More should be done to regulate, not just churches, but all religious groups. I think religious groups should form a vetting body to determine who should be registered and who should not. The government should also keep off religious groups' affairs in line with the constitution so that cult leaders do not go to bed with the government and avoid prosecution," Kigame noted.

Does Paul Mackenzie have a case to answer?

On Monday, April 24, President William Ruto likened Mackenzie to a terrorist who is using religion to advance his heinous acts.

A day after the president's statement, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki assured Kenyans that the pastor will be charged with various criminal offenses including genocide, terrorism, and radicalization.

Mackenzie, who is in police custody, still insists that he has no case to answer and that his church has been dysfunctional since 2019.

Constitutional Lawyer Charles Kanjama says given the evidence and terms laid bare so far, Paul Mackenzie's case cannot be based on religion.

"With the Mackenzie issue, it's not about religion or church. These are normal offenses that anyone can be charged with. In the Constitution under the Penal Code, one can be charged if they intentionally or recklessly causes someone else to suffer," lawyer Charles Kanjama argues.

Human rights groups have also been vocal about the murders, terming what is being witnessed wrong and that Mackenzie and his aides should face the law.

Amnesty International Executive Director Irungu Houghton said: "The Constitution allows freedom of worship as long as it is not used to harm or violate other people's rights. The Constitution is very clear and Paul Mackenzie and his allies have a case to answer."