Piece by: MANNY ANYANGO

18 August 2023

• Other churches deregistered are Goodnews International Ministries which was cancelled on May 19, Helicopter of Christ Church which was deregistered on May 19, 2023.

The Registrar of Societies has deregistered Pastor Ezekiel Odero's Newlife Prayer Centre.

Through a gazette notice dated August 3, 2023, four other churches have been deregistered.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 (1) of the Societies Act, the Registrar of Societies cancels the registration of the societies specified in the first column of the Schedule, with effect from the respective dates specified in the third column of the schedule," Registrar of Societies Maria Nyariki said.

Other churches are Goodnews International Ministries which was cancelled on May 19, Helicopter of Christ Church which was deregistered on May 19, 2023.

Theophilus Church was cancelled on May 19, together with Kings Outreach Church

The Royal Park Home Owners Estate Association Langata which was registered as a society was cancelled on June 19, 2023.

The call to regulate churches had been on the rise with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua calling on religious leaders to support the government's plan to review regulations governing religious organisations.

Gachagua said this even as he cautioned against blanket condemnation of churches and the clergy over the Shakahola deaths.

“The information being sought by a Taskforce formed by President William Ruto is intended to help streamline the registration and records of the religious groups,” he said.

He said there are individuals exploiting the Bible for commercial enterprise and to promote criminal activities warning the government was out to eliminate them.