By Kamadi Amata
President William Ruto has commented on the Shakahola massacre, calling for the perpetrators to face justice. He criticized those who pretend to be religious but commit acts contrary to religious teachings and beliefs, stating that they should be prosecuted. Ruto specifically named the controversial preacher, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who is currently in custody, pending a court appearance.
He called Nthenge a criminal who should be in jail and compared his actions to terrorism. Ruto instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute any individuals or institutions that preach against the tenets of the constitution.
“What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola is a kin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr Mackenzie who pretends and postures as a pastor when in fact he is a terrible criminal,” he said
“Terrorist use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mackenzie are using religion to do the same thing… Let me say for the avoidance of doubt that people like Mackenzie and all other terrorists and criminals do not belong to any religion, they belong to jail and that is where they should be.”
He further stated that such institutions should be closed down because they are working against the collective interest of the people of Kenya. The investigation into the Shakahola massacre is ongoing, with 47 bodies discovered so far. Police expect to find more bodies buried in shallow graves.
Police expect to find more bodies that are buried in shallow graves.
Meanwhile Azimio leaders have now accused the government of betraying the people of Kilifi even as they back-called for regulation of the faith-based groups.
Led by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and his Senate counterpart Stewart Madzayo, Azimio said the mass deaths would have been averted had the local security officers played their part.
“As all these were happening, where were the local security officers including the chiefs, police officers and even NIS,” Madzayo said.
The Ugunja MP backed called for regulation of all faith-based organisations to avoid abuse.