Kenya Human Rights Commission has called for auditing of the financial records of churches to curb extreme indoctrination and radicalisation.
Appearing before the Senate Adhoc Committee investigating the deaths of more than 300 people in Shakahola, Kilifi County, Teddy Odira, a representative of the commission said the audits will promote financial transparency and accountability.
“This will indirectly aid in preventing extremism, indoctrination, radicalisation and financial exploitation,” he said.
He added that the move will enable scrutiny of sources of funds and enhance collaboration with tax authorities and regulatory agencies.
“Regular audit of financial records should be conducted to detect irregularities and ensure funds are used for the benefit of congregants and not for personal gains," he said.
He pointed out that India audits the financial records of religious organisations to ensure transparency and accountability.
Odira further said independent regulatory bodies should be established to oversee religious organisations.
“These bodies should conduct regular inspections, assess compliance with regulations and investigate potential exploitation and radicalisation,” he added.
He noted that Germany has established the Federal Agency for Civic Education, which monitors extremist tendencies in religious communities and provides information to the public.
Last week, the Law Society of Kenya (LKS) called for the amendment to the Societies Act to prevent preachers from engaging in practices like indoctrination or radicalisation.
In a memorandum to the Senate ad hoc committee probing the Shakahola deaths, LSK President Eric Theuri said Societies Act, does not expressly state who may register a church.
He noted that though the Act provides for the registration of churches, the process fails to adequately address the issue of transparency and accountability by religious leaders.
“The lack of accountability does not only concern their actions but also the funds collected from members of the congregation,” he said.
Theuri added that churches have also put some self-regulatory mechanisms in place by having umbrella bodies but said it is not sufficient to protect persons from all forms of abuse by errant religious leaders.
“Mechanisms are applied only to churches that are members of the umbrella bodies,” he said.
Theuri added that there is a need to review and update the legislation and the Penal Code to reflect the emerging issues to deter individuals and groups from exploiting religious rights, committing fraud and engaging in human rights violations.
