Gov't advised to regulate churches to help deal with cult organizations

According to the Principal, Paul Ekal Lokol, the regulation should include the need to have pastors undergo not only theology but also Chaplaincy training.

“It is through regulations and training that we avoid people with ill motives from taking advantage of innocent people in the name of preaching,” said Lokol.

Speaking at the institution on the eve of a graduation ceremony for 12 chaplains who have completed a three-year training on both Diploma and Certificate courses, they said without regulations, the country risks witnessing more incidents that Kenyans were treated to this year in Shakahola.

Wilson Turgut, a chaplain trainee at the institution, insisted that the government should also make it mandatory for pastors to acquire practicing licenses.

“The government should know who is out there preaching and its through licensing of all pastors,” he said.

Turgut said for one to acquire a license every pastor should have undergone training as a minimum requirement.

“There is no way a license will be issued to someone who has not been trained and the training would be a minimum requirement to be allowed to practise,” he added.

Tenwek Hospital School of Chaplaincy has been in operation for the last 29 years and has produced renowned pastors and chaplains in the South Rift region.