Attorney General (AG) Githu Muigai has indefinitely suspended registration of new religious organisations in Kenya while also directing the existing organisations to file updated details and returns with the Registrar of Societies.
A statement issued from AG stated that "There will be a moratorium on registration of new religious organisations with effect from November 11, 2014 until further notice." Religious organisations are expected to adhere to the directive before a consultative meeting with all religious organisations is held on Friday 13 November 2014.
According to the statement the existing religious organisations will be required to register with the Registrar of Societies and give full name of their society, the registration number, date of registration and particulars of office bearers alongside their identification cards, passport photo and a copy of the KRA Personal Identification Number (PIN).
The move comes in the wake of an expose about the exploits of Salvation and Healing Ministry Televangelist preacher Dr. Victor Kanyari, who has been making money from his followers through fake miracles.
KTN, A local TV station on inside story, aired a documentary on November 2 showing Pastor Dr. Victor Kanyari performing fake miracles and testimonies in order to obtain money from his believers.
In one of his "miracles," church assistants washed feet with water mixed with potassium permanganate, which made the solution turn red and the feet appeared to be bleeding.
Dr. Kanyari himself said that he does not force people to give the money. He sees no wrong in asking for seed money because every church asks for it. "The seed money has been called different names. In some churches, it is called sacrificial seed, in other churches it is offering. Mine is called a seed of faith," he said.
Last week, Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko directed the Criminal Investigations Department to open investigations on the preacher for allegedly fraudulently obtaining cash. He said after watching the expose, he is convinced that there is sufficient evidence to press charges against him.
However, the officer based at Kamukunji police station said it is unlawful and malicious to arrest alleged con preacher Dr. Victor Kanyari for obtaining money when no one has lodged a complaint against him. “Someone must make a formal report and record a statement before Kanyari is arrested,” he said.
The AG proposed the establishment of a taskforce to review operations and management of religious organizations in the country.
SOURCE: AMECEA Social Communications and Kenyan Media
