Nairobi — Famous and controversial self-proclaimed Jesus of Tongaren has pleaded with police not to arrest him, maintaining he only preaches the gospel of truth.
Bungoma Police Commander Francis Kooli has summoned Eliud Wekesa to appear for questioning as the review of religious organizations ordered by the government intensifies in the wake of exhumations of over 100 bodies from Shakahola forest.
"The Police Commander who has summoned me is human and has wisdom. I understand he wants to question me on how my church is being operated. Chances are high that they have received misleading information about my church," said the self-proclaimed Jesus who hit headlines during Easter when he declined to be crucified.
The controversial Preacher said that he has previously appeared for grilling by various enforcement agencies.
"I have been to the DC and Madam OCS but I don't have any issues. I just preach the gospel and as I said this horse has no other issue apart from the gospel. If they will arrest me, it will just be a mere witch hunt," he said.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutional right of freedom of worship amid investigations on cult activities in Shakahola forest where more than 100 bodies were exhumed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki last week dismissed claims that the state intends to wage a war against religious institutions, clarifying that the prime focus has been turned to ridding the country of rogue clerics advancing extremism and criminal activities.
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"Let me make it clear that we are not at war with religion or the church of Christ; there is no conflict between the government and the church. Our only issue is with the few impostors who are hiding behind religion to engage in criminal activities," he said.
Kindiki reiterated that the government is undeterred by such clamour and will remain focused on hunting those misappropriating religious influence for ulterior motives, citing the Shakahola tragedy as evidence of dogmatic violence and spiritual maltreatment that the state wants to avert.
During a mass organized by the Chaaria Parish in Meru to support children with disabilities, the CS recognized the significant contributions of religious institutions to Kenya's social development and security management.
However, he warned that the government would not hesitate to eliminate unorthodox teachings and illegal activities disguised under the guise of religious freedom.
"We have heard some individuals alleging that we are fighting the church. We want to make it clear that such claims are baseless. The Constitution of Kenya provides for freedom of worship but killing and such sectarian harm are crimes punishable under our laws."
According to Kindiki, 112 bodies have been recovered from the forest land, with the exhumation exercise set to resume on Tuesday after it was paused due to bad weather.
He stated that the dragnet will be cast as wide as the deaths stretch, adding that no culprit will evade justice.
