Ad-hoc committees are temporary committees established to resolve a specific issue and with specific timelines, and are typically constituted through a Motion.

COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE PROLIFERATION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE DEATHS OF MORE THAN 95 PEOPLE IN SHAKAHOLA, KILIFI COUNTY

The Senate, at a Sitting held on 27th April, 2023, approved a Motion, pursuant to Standing Order 199 of the Senate Standing Orders, to establish an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the proliferation of religious organizations and the circumstances leading to the deaths of more than 95 people in Shakahola, Kilifi County.

The Ad-hoc Committee’s mandate is to-

(i) investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths, in Shakahola Village, Kilifi County, of followers of the Good News International Church led by one, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge;

(ii) investigate the role played by one, Paul Mackenzie, of the Good News International Church, his pastoral team and the Kilifi County Security Committee in aiding and abetting the deaths of the followers of the Good News International Church in Shakahola, Kilifi County;

(iii) establish, through the office of the Registrar of Societies, the number and activities of religious groups in the country, including their registration and compliance status;

(iv) audit the legal and registration framework for religious organizations in the country;

(v) develop a legislative proposal on the regulation of religious activities in the country; and

(vi) make any other recommendation that will prevent religious organizations from extreme indoctrination of their followers, including radicalization, spiritual and financial exploitation.