TIgania Pastor
By Collins Wanzallah
Police in Tigania West have been granted 10 days to detain a suspect linked to cult activities. The suspect, a pastor, was presented before a local court where police had initially sought 14 days to hold him while investigations continue.
The accused, Pastor Daniel Mururu of the East African Pentecostal Churches of Kenya – Kianjai branch, has been linked to an arson attack in the area. Police told the court that initial investigations into incidents reported on 26th August and 2nd September revealed that the arson was not the result of a land dispute, as previously thought, but rather community anger over indecent acts allegedly practised by the pastor, church elders, and ushers.
Police reports indicate that Pastor Mururu allegedly ordered women and girls to be stripped naked, shaved their pubic hair, sucked their breasts, and engaged in sexual acts within the church. These actions were reportedly carried out by the church elders and ushers under the pastor’s orders.
So far, 23 witnesses have recorded statements. One victim, a 17-year-old girl in Form Three at Kamitongu Secondary School, is reportedly five months pregnant, allegedly after being defiled by the pastor.
Additionally, more than seven women, aged between 17 and 70, have come forward with allegations of sexual assault. They claim they were indecently assaulted, including having their breasts sucked, pubic hair shaved, and private parts violated by church members.
The DCI investigators have also established that the church leadership is operating as a cult. Followers are being radicalised and compelled to participate in indecent acts, believing that failure to comply with the pastor’s orders and prophecies would bring calamities such as illness or barrenness.