President William Ruto has broken his silence on the Shakahola massacre, saying that the perpetrators should be imprisoned.
Ruto stated on Monday that people who pose as religious but do things that are contrary to religious teachings and beliefs will be prosecuted.
He stated that the controversial preacher, Pastor Mackenzie, who is at the center of the Shakahola massacre is a criminal and belongs in jail.
“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.
“Terrorists 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.”
Ruto stated that he has directed the agencies to investigate the matter and determine the root cause of religious or people who want to use religion to advance unacceptable ideology in the Republic of Kenya, which is causing unnecessary loss of life.
He insisted that if any religious group preaches against the principles of the Constitution, those responsible should be prosecuted.
The president went on to say that such institutions should be closed down because they work against the collective interests of Kenyans.
Ruto’s remarks come ahead of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome’s expected visit to the site to support the ongoing investigation and exhumation of the bodies.
The controversial preacher, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, is being held in custody pending a court appearance.
He was arrested on April 15 after discovering the bodies of four people suspected of starving themselves to death.
Nthenge has denied wrongdoing but has been denied bail.
According to his followers, he told them to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus.”
