Kenyan Pastor Investigated for Alleged Cult Activities and Sexual Abuse

A Kenyan pastor, Daniel Mururu, is under investigation for alleged cult activities and sexual abuse involving women and girls, according to police reports. The accusations have sparked outrage and led to the torching of the church he led in Meru County late last month.

Mururu, associated with the East African Pentecostal Churches of Kenya, along with several church elders and ushers, is allegedly involved in a series of indecent assaults. The police report, dated Monday, details shocking claims, including the stripping of women, shaving of their pubic hair, and forced sexual intercourse. The alleged victims range in age from 17 to 70 years old, including a 17-year-old schoolgirl who is reportedly pregnant as a result of the abuse.

The allegations against Mururu have prompted a broader investigation, with police stating that their initial findings suggest he was “running a cult” that had radicalized its followers. The police report alleges that church members were coerced into participating in these indecent acts under threats of severe consequences, such as sickness and barrenness, should they refuse to comply with the pastor’s orders.

The case came to light after angry locals, disturbed by the growing rumors and reports of abuse, set fire to the church. The incident has highlighted the challenges Kenya faces in regulating religious institutions, particularly those that engage in criminal activities under the guise of religious practice.

Kenya, a predominantly Christian nation, has struggled with the rise of unscrupulous religious leaders who exploit their followers. This latest case comes in the wake of the “Shakahola forest massacre,” where hundreds of bodies were unearthed from mass graves linked to a doomsday cult led by another controversial Kenyan pastor. The government has since recognized the need for stricter oversight of religious groups, with a commission set up by President William Ruto calling for a combination of self-regulation and government control.

As the investigation into Mururu and his church continues, authorities are urging any additional victims or witnesses to come forward. The case is likely to add momentum to ongoing efforts to tighten regulations on religious institutions in Kenya.