Lifestyle

The Menace of Cultism In Kenya: Understanding Its Roots, Effects, And Solutions Through Biblical Wisdom

BY Steve Biko · April 25, 2023 12:04 pm

KEY POINTS

Cultism involves the use of intimidation, violence, and other unlawful activities to achieve its objectives, which can include political, social, or religious aims.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Cult leaders and members who engage in criminal activities should be held accountable for their actions. They should face the full force of the law, and their assets should be confiscated to compensate victims of their crimes. It is also essential to identify and prosecute those who provide financial and material support to cults.

Cultism has become a significant social problem that has plagued many countries around the world, including Kenya. It is a term used to describe a group of people with shared beliefs and practices that are often considered to be extreme or deviant.

Cultism involves the use of intimidation, violence, and other unlawful activities to achieve its objectives, which can include political, social, or religious aims.

This article has been inspired by what is happening and has been happening in Shakahola, Malindi. It is heartbreaking, saddening and would have been completely avoided if we cared enough to ask the right questions.

The Roots of Cultism in Kenya

Cultism in Kenya has its roots in various factors, including poverty, political instability, unemployment, and a lack of social support. Some of the cults operating in Kenya use religion as a cover to carry out their illegal activities. They often recruit young people who are struggling with poverty and unemployment and offer them a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose. However, this comes at a great cost, as these young people become involved in criminal activities that harm themselves and society.

Effects of Cultism

Cultism has far-reaching effects on individuals and society as a whole. The members of these cults are often brainwashed and indoctrinated to the extent that they become willing to carry out acts of violence, including murder, in the name of their cult. This can lead to a breakdown in the social order, an increase in crime rates, and a general sense of insecurity among citizens. Cultism also poses a threat to democracy as cults can use their members to rig elections, intimidate voters and political opponents, and undermine the rule of law.

What to Look Out For

To prevent the spread of cultism in Kenya, it is essential to be vigilant and look out for warning signs. These include:

Sudden changes in behavior or appearance of young people
The decline in academic or work performance
Isolation from family and friends
Possession of weapons or involvement in illegal activities
Recruitment of young people by unknown individuals or groups
Disregard for authority and social norms
Lack of Responsibility of the Government

The government has a crucial role to play in addressing the problem of cultism in Kenya. It is responsible for creating policies and laws that prohibit and punish cult activities. The government should also provide support for vulnerable young people, including education, job opportunities, and social welfare programs. Additionally, law enforcement agencies should be strengthened to ensure that cult activities are detected and dealt with promptly.

Who is to be Held Accountable?

Solutions and the Way Forward

To combat the menace of cultism in Kenya, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes:

Education: There is a need to educate young people about the dangers of cultism and provide them with alternatives that can lead to positive outcomes. This can be achieved through school programs, community outreach, and social media campaigns.
Family Support: Parents and guardians should provide emotional support and guidance to their children. They should also monitor their children’s behavior and seek help when necessary.
Law Enforcement: Law enforcement agencies should be well-equipped and trained to detect and prevent cult activities. There should be a special task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting cult crimes.
Rehabilitation: Cult members who renounce their membership should be provided with counseling and rehabilitation services to help them reintegrate into society.
Interfaith Dialogue: Religious leaders should engage in interfaith dialogue to promote understanding and tolerance among different religious groups. This can help to reduce the use of religion as a cover for cult activities.
Collaboration: There should be collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and the media to address the problem of cultism. This can help to create a more coordinated and effective response to the issue.
Accountability: There should be accountability for government officials who fail to take action against cult activities. Civil society organizations should also hold businesses and individuals who support cults accountable.

Biblical Wisdom on Cultism

The Bible provides the wisdom that can guide our understanding of cultism and its effects. In 2 Peter 2:1-3, it states, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them, the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed, they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

This passage highlights the danger of false teachers who lead people astray with false teachings and heresies. It warns against the greed and sensuality that can lead people to follow them. Proverbs 1:10 also cautions against following the wrong crowd, stating, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

Cultism is a growing problem in Kenya that requires a concerted effort to address. It has far-reaching effects on individuals, society, and democracy. To combat the menace of cultism, a multi-faceted approach that includes education, family support, law enforcement, rehabilitation, interfaith dialogue, collaboration, and accountability is necessary. Biblical wisdom can guide our understanding of the problem and provide insights on how to address it. We must work together to ensure that our communities are safe, peaceful, and free from the influence of cultism.