Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a firm crackdown on religious extremism through strict regulations, warning that rogue religious leaders exploiting Kenyans will face the full force of the law.
Speaking during his Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Kitui County on Tuesday, Murkomen emphasized the urgent need for oversight and accountability in religious organizations following the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi, where mass graves were discovered linked to a cult-like sect.
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Protecting the Vulnerable Through Regulation
“Regulating religious institutions will cushion Kenyans who are vulnerable and swayed by unsuspecting religious leaders who practise extremist doctrines to solve their issues,” said Murkomen.
He stressed the need for collaboration between the public and security agencies, urging citizens to report suspicious religious activity before situations spiral out of control, as seen in the Shakahola forest incident.
Call for Vigilance and Responsibility
Murkomen warned that local administrators—including assistant chiefs and chiefs—would be held personally accountable if they failed to act on intelligence regarding extremist activities in their regions.
“I call on the public to volunteer information,” he added, noting that community intelligence is a vital weapon in preventing cultic and extremist religious behavior.
Taskforce Recommendations
A government-appointed taskforce has already proposed a new policy framework targeting religious extremism and cults, aiming to ensure transparent, responsible, and accountable religious practices across the country.
While acknowledging resistance from some religious leaders, Murkomen said the reforms would pave the way for self-regulation within faith-based organizations while allowing effective government oversight.
Leaders Join Forces
Murkomen’s remarks came after a closed-door meeting with Kitui County security teams. He was flanked by Deputy Inspector General-APS Gilbert Masengeli, MPs Rachel Nyamai (Kitui South) and Nimrod Mbai (Kitui East), and other top ministry officials. The meeting also marked the launch of a mobile ID registration outreach program as part of his regional security tour.
“We are committed to a safer and more transparent Kenya. These reforms will ensure no more lives are lost to cultic manipulations and extremist teachings,” he concluded.
