Church Leader’s Deception: Bishop Swindles Kenyans of Ksh1.4 Million in Visa Scam
Monday, May 22, police in Kisii County apprehended a bishop following reports that he defrauded his congregation by falsely claiming he would secure Visas for employment abroad.
The National Police Service (NPS) identified the suspect as a bishop who claimed to be the General Overseer of PEFA Church in the County in a statement.
In addition, the suspect allegedly deceived the congregants who contributed a total of Ksh1.48 million to the bishop.
However, a group of young people tipped off the authorities about the bishop’s unorthodox dealings and money-making schemes.
The suspect is currently in custody pending his court appearance.
According to the Constitution, fraud is a common law tort of deceit consisting of a false representation of a false fact with the intent that the other party acts on it, resulting in damage to that party.
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The government has taken action against religious leaders who promote false doctrines.
President William Ruto confirmed that a framework to rein in unscrupulous pastors is being developed in collaboration with spiritual leaders.
“I will consult with all religious leaders in the country to form a task force to weed out those who wish to abuse religion or conduct anti-religious business in Kenya.
“We wish to provide a framework on which our religious leaders can agree. On April 30, 2023, the head of state announced the establishment of “a framework that will provide for self-regulation so that churches and spiritual leaders have a mechanism to report to the government those who wish to abuse religion for other purposes.”
He referred to the Shakahola massacre. In which more than 230 bodies were exhumed from land believed to be owned by the controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie.
“We believe in God as Christians. Some use religion and other destructive methods to harm others.
“To ensure that what occurred in Shakahola will never occur again, we are forming a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to determine what occurred in Shakahola with (pastor Paul) Mackenzie and all of his accomplices,” he stated.
A few days later, the president appointed Jessie Lessit, a judge on the Court of Appeal, to head the commission.
Justice Lawrence Mugambi, however, halted any further commission meetings. Pending a ruling that will be issued on Monday, May 29 as to whether the commission will continue with its mandate.
Church Leader’s Deception: Bishop Swindles Kenyans of Ksh1.4 Million in Visa Scam
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