The Senate committee investigating the Shakahola cult is seeking more time to conclude its work, according to Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana.
The committee is still collecting information and views from the public and is asking Kenyans to be patient. The committee will seek an extension of time to conclude their work and bring a report.
“We still have witnesses and communities who want to present their views and we shall be seeking an extension of time so that we can conclude our work and bring you the report,” he said.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Tana River County Governor Dhadho Godhana, and members of the County Assembly of Tana River were present at the launch.
Kingi emphasized the importance of translating the Bible to local languages to help churches and communities self-regulate against prophets of doom who misinterpreted the Bible to hoodwink innocent followers into cults.
“The bible tells us that at the end times there will come false prophets but with this translated bible, no Pokomo person will be easily swayed. Let the men of God not allow fake preachers to take control of the church,” he said.
He argued that the crimes committed in Shakahola, Kilifi County, amounted to terrorism and that perpetrators must face severe punishment.
Governor Godhana urged residents to go back and empress their culture to fight prophets of doom in their midst. He urged residents to review their cultural history and use the translated Bible to help them.
“We need to go back and take care of the cultural history of our people and review some of them and this is where this translated bible will help us,” said Mr Godhana.
MCA Paul Maro said that many residents fell into the traps of rogue pastor Paul Mackenzie because they were not understanding the Bible.
