Why ‘Fake Miracle’ Pastors Will Face 10 Yrs Jail Term if New Bill Becomes Law

A new legislative proposal in Kenya seeks to heavily penalise religious leaders who exploit followers through fraudulent means.

The proposed Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, introduces harsh fines and prison sentences for pastors found guilty of performing fake miracles to extort money.

The legislation follows recommendations made by a task force formed by President William Ruto.

Maximum Penalties for Fraud

Under the proposed bill, any religious leader who uses false and fraudulent representations concerning miracles, blessings, or healing to obtain financial gain faces serious consequences.

If convicted, a religious leader could be required to pay a fine not exceeding Ksh 5 million.

Alternatively, the leader could face imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years. A court would also have the power to impose both the fine and the jail term.

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The bill specifically targets leaders who use “tricks or schemes as to healing, miracles, blessings or prayers” to “extort or fraudulently obtain any financial gain or material benefit”.

This includes hunting down those who ask their congregation for cash in return for 'financial favour from God'.

Why the Change? The Shakahola Tragedy

The impetus for these severe penalties is the recent tragic events at Shakahola. The bill was drafted in 2024 in response to the Shakahola cult massacre.

This tragedy saw over 400 bodies exhumed from a forest linked to Pastor Paul Mackenzie. The disaster brought national attention to the urgent need for stricter regulation of religious organisations.

The presidential task force was formed in May 2023 specifically to identify and seal loopholes that allow the growth of religious cults.

The Shakahola tragedy "saw over 400 bodies exhumed from the forest linked to pastor Paul Mackenzie."

Broader Regulatory Framework

The proposed legislation aims to provide a comprehensive framework for governing religious institutions in Kenya.

Beyond miracle fraud, the bill includes other penalties. For example, any religious leader who uses force or threats to coerce someone into joining their faith faces a fine not exceeding Ksh 1 million or a three-year jail term, or both.

The bill also mandates annual financial reporting for religious organisations. It proposes establishing a Religious Affairs Commission to oversee the sector.

Current Status of the Bill

The Religious Organisations Bill, 2024, is currently moving through the legislative process. If it is passed into law, it will introduce specific legal consequences for fraudulent practices within churches.

However, the bill has faced significant opposition. Some religious leaders and associations argue that the proposed regulations infringe upon the constitutional freedom of religion and association.