Rwanda President Kagame Considers Taxing Church Offerings to Combat Fraudulent Preachers
Rwanda President Paul Kagame has revealed that the government may soon impose taxes on church offerings as part of an initiative to address the issue of fraudulent preachers exploiting their congregants.
This announcement follows the extensive closure of nearly 8,000 churches in Rwanda that were found to be non-compliant with regulatory standards.
According to the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), the authority responsible for overseeing religious organizations, 59.3 percent of over 13,000 churches inspected in the past month were operating illegally and failing to meet infrastructure requirements.
In his first public statement since his recent swearing-in, Kagame suggested that the government is considering enforcing taxes on church revenues as a measure against dishonest preachers.
“These individuals who use religion to deceive and exploit people will compel us to implement a tax on the money they receive from their congregants,” Kagame stated.
He further criticized the proliferation of churches, claiming they are merely a means for their founders to extract money from vulnerable Rwandans, enriching themselves in the process. Kagame also reiterated his stance that preachers should have formal theological education.
Kagame made these comments last Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony of re-appointed Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente and newly elected members of parliament.
He also highlighted instances of extremist behavior in churches, where cult leaders have led their followers to starvation and death through manipulation.
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This reference appeared to allude to Kenya’s Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is currently facing legal action over the deaths of his followers in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
Mackenzie is accused of persuading his congregation to starve themselves in anticipation of meeting Jesus, resulting in over 400 deaths discovered in shallow mass graves within the Chakama Ranch.
To prevent similar events, the Kenyan government has begun implementing measures to control deceitful preachers.
The presidential task force tasked with reviewing Kenya’s religious regulation has proposed several strict measures in the draft Religious Organisations Bill, 2024.
Led by Rev Mutava Musyimi, the task force’s recommendations include imposing a Sh5 million fine or a 10-year prison term for preachers who fraudulently obtain money.
They also propose the creation of a Religious Affairs Commission and stringent registration and vetting processes for religious groups and their umbrella organizations.
If enacted, the bill will mandate that all religious organizations have formal constitutions, conduct elections or appointments for their leaders, and submit their financial records for annual government scrutiny.
Rwanda President Kagame Considers Taxing Church Offerings to Combat Fraudulent Preachers
