Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has shed light on why no investigations have been opened into an incident involving Pastor James Ng’ang’a of Neno Evangelism Centre, after a video allegedly showing the preacher slapping a congregant during a live service went viral in April 2025.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Murkomen stated that despite the public outrage that followed circulation of the video in April, nobody has filed a formal complaint with the police. Consequently, police have not taken any legal action.
“It has been established that the alleged incident occurred during a night vigil prayer (Kesha) on the night of April 11, 2025. The incident was neither reported at the nearest police station nor at any other station. Consequently, no investigations are currently underway, as no formal complaint has been lodged,” Murkomen told senators.
Murkomen made the remarks in response to a question from Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, who sought to understand what laws govern misconduct among religious leaders while still safeguarding freedom of worship.
Murkomen assured the Senate that Kenya already has a complete legal framework with regard to such cases. He referred to the Societies Act, Cap 108, which regulates registration and operations of religious institutions, and the Penal Code, whose provisions allow for prosecution of offences like assault, coercion, and other criminal acts.
He also referred to Article 32 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, belief, and conscience, but this right, like all other rights, is subject to reasonable limits which may be necessary in the interests of public order, morality, and safety.
“Religious leaders who engage in physical abuse or apply coercive tactics against congregants can be prosecuted under these provisions, offering legal protection and recourse for victims of such conduct,” Murkomen explained.
Regarding wider issues about misconduct within the religious sphere, Murkomen assured the country that the government is working closely with faith-based organisations to increase accountability and self-regulation.
He referred to the proposals put forward by the National Council of Churches of Kenya for the creation of self-regulation frameworks and legislation that will help improve governance within the faith sector. These include the proposed “Do No Harm Act” to prevent misuse of religious freedom protections, and the Religious Organizations Bill, 2024, touching on transparency, oversight of registration, measures to counter radicalisation and harmful practices among others.
“The bill aims to empower religious leaders with the tools and support needed to actively counter radicalisation and violent extremism within their communities,” Murkomen said.
On the protection of worshippers and whistle-blowers, the CS emphasized that constitutional provisions like equality before the law, freedom of expression, access to justice, and the right to privacy apply to all Kenyans. He further cited the Whistleblower Protection Act that protects individuals who report abuse or wrongdoing from retaliation.
“The government is actively collaborating with religious organisations and civil society groups to develop safe and confidential reporting mechanisms, train religious leaders to respond to abuse, and promote advocacy initiatives that encourage victims and witnesses to come forward without fear of reprisal,” he added.
Murkomen’s remarks come amidst renewed debate on how to balance freedom of worship with accountability, with the government moving to tighten oversight of religious organisations in Kenya.
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