Police Reveal Why Meru Church Was Burnt Down, Pastor Accused of Cultism
Police are investigating the leaders of a church in Meru after residents set fire to it, accusing them of leading a cult.
Earlier reports suggested that the arson was the result of a land dispute.
However, police clarified that the residents were upset because of the church elders, ushers, and pastor’s alleged behavior. Police allege that the pastor and elders of the church are running a cult.
They are accused of radicalising their followers by compelling, inducing, and causing them to commit indecent acts.
Residents of Kanjai in Meru County burns down the African Inland Pentecostal Church (AIPC) after accusing its pastor Daniel Mururu of engaging in cult-like activities, including allegedly sucking women's and children's breasts during sermons, shaving followers' pubic hair and… pic.twitter.com/inILUSMuwe
— Mzee Chacha 🇰🇪 🇺🇸 (@KNUdigital) August 28, 2024
The followers were allegedly threatened that if they defied the Pastor’s orders and prophesies, they would face calamities such as sickness and barrenness.
According to a police report, the pastor allegedly instructed women and girls to strip naked, shave their pubic hair, and engage in sexual activities.
This was done on the orders of the church elders and ushers.
Police said 23 witnesses have recorded statements, including one girl, 17, who was allegedly defiled and is five months pregnant.
The Pastor and his church elders are accused of abusing more than seven women ranging in age from 17 to 70 years.
According to reports, the victims were assaulted by engaging in indecent sexual activities. Police said investigations are still ongoing.
Police Reveal Why Meru Church Was Burnt Down, Pastor Accused of Cultism
