Senate committee wants more time to probe Shakahola cult

Mungatana, who is the chairperson of the committee said they are still collecting information and views from the public and asked Kenyans to be patient.

He said this during the official launch of the Pokomo translated bible at Idsoe village in Garsen Constituency, where he emphasized on the need for preachers to preach the true gospel to their followers.

“We still have witnesses and communities who want to present their views and we shall be seeking extension of time so that we can conclude our work and bring you the report,” he said.

Also present during the launch was Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Tana River County Governor Dhadho Godhana, a host of Members of the County Assembly of Tana River and the chairman of the Pokomo Bible Dedication Committee Dr Mwaka Mungatana.

Kingi reiterated that translation of the bible to local languages will help churches and communities to self-regulate against prophets of doom who were misinterpreting the bible to hoodwink innocent followers into cults.

“The bible tells us that at the end times there will come false prophets but with this translated bible, no Pokomo person will be easily swayed. Let the men of God not allow fake preachers to take control of the church,” he said.

He added that the crimes committed in Shakahola, Kilifi County amounted to terrorism and that perpetrators must face severe punishment.

“Mackenzie really soiled the name of the church and what happened in Shakahola is terrorism and those behind it should be punished,” he said.