Police are investigating leaders of a church in Meru after residents torched it in anger accusing them of allegedly leading a cult.
Earlier, reports indicated that the arson incident resulted from a land dispute.
However, police clarified that the residents were angry due to the church elders, ushers and the pastor's alleged conduct.
According to police, it is alleged that the pastor and the elders of the said church are running a cult.
They are accused of radicalising their followers compelling, inducing and causing them to engage in indecent acts.
The followers were allegedly threatened that they would fall by calamities including sickness and barrenness in case they defied the Pastor's orders and prophesies.
According to a police report, the pastor has allegedly been ordering women and girls to strip naked, shave their pubic hair and engage in sexual activities.
This was done following the orders of the church elders and ushers.
Police said that 23 witnesses have recorded statements where one girl, 17 was allegedly defiled and is five months pregnant.
More than seven women aged between 17 years and 70 years are alleged to have fallen victim to the Pastor and his church elders.
It is reported that the victims were assaulted by being subjected to indecent sexual activities.
Police said investigations are currently ongoing.
