Human rights activists defends CS Duale action

An Eldoret-based human rights activist has strongly defended Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s decision to initiate investigations into alleged miracle healings associated with Prophet Awour, arguing that the government has both a moral and constitutional obligation to protect Kenyans from exploitation, medical negligence, and abuse carried out under the guise of religion.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Kipkorir Ngetich said Kenya remains a deeply religious nation that respects faith and believes in the power of Almighty God to heal, deliver, and avert disasters. However, he warned that faith must not be weaponized by individuals seeking personal enrichment or power at the expense of vulnerable citizens.

“We are a God-fearing country and we do not doubt the power of God to heal the sick, stop disasters, or intervene in human suffering,” Ngetich said. “The Bible clearly documents miracles performed by prophets and by Jesus Christ himself. These miracles were witnessed, documented, and supported by overwhelming evidence from families, communities, and multitudes.”

Ngetich emphasized that genuine healing, even within a religious context, does not occur in secrecy or isolation. According to him, credible miracles should be known to close family members, neighbours, friends, and the wider community, all of whom can attest to the illness, its duration, medical history, and the recovery process.

“It is deeply concerning that in the so-called miracles we are witnessing today, there are no family members, neighbours, relatives, or friends who can confirm the alleged sickness or healing,” he noted. “This raises serious red flags that cannot be ignored.”

The human rights activist accused certain religious institutions of being infiltrated by criminals who exploit superstition, fear, and desperation to defraud innocent followers. He lamented that what were once sacred spaces for spiritual nourishment have, in some cases, been transformed into profit-driven enterprises.

“Today, some self-proclaimed prophets are living lavish lifestyles—owning fleets of expensive cars, luxurious homes, and businesses—funded entirely by followers who are pressured or manipulated into paying money for non-existent miracles,” Ngetich said.

He argued that freedom of worship, which is protected under the Constitution, should not be misused as a shield for criminal activity.

“For far too long, dangerous individuals have hidden behind religion because it is treated as a soft landing ground where scrutiny is avoided,” he said. “This dirty game has operated unchecked under the excuse of freedom of worship, and it is time for the government to step in decisively.”

Ngetich further raised alarm over reports that some religious leaders discourage or outright deny children, pregnant women, and the sick access to medical care, insisting instead on divine intervention. He described this practice as reckless, inhumane, and a violation of the right to health.

“It is extremely worrying that mothers and children are being denied medical treatment in the name of miracles,” he said. “Even more disturbing are allegations that when some members secretly seek medical help, they are later subjected to manipulation, intimidation, or mysterious circumstances meant to reinforce fear and blind obedience within these groups.”

The activist referenced biblical teachings that warn believers about false prophets and miracle workers in the last days, saying the current situation mirrors those warnings.

“Scripture clearly warns Christians that there will come a time when con men and women will masquerade as prophets, miracle workers, and even as Jesus Christ himself,” Ngetich said. “What we are witnessing today fits that warning perfectly.”

While welcoming CS Duale’s proposal to cancel licenses of rogue religious institutions, Ngetich insisted that administrative action alone is insufficient. He called for criminal prosecution of individuals found culpable.

“Cancelling licenses is not enough. Those responsible must be investigated, charged, and tried in a court of law like any other criminal,” he stated.

He also urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to initiate a multi-agency investigation involving the Ministry of Health, security agencies, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ngetich clarified that regulating religious institutions does not amount to government interference in matters of faith.

“Regulation is not about controlling belief or worship,” he said. “It is about protecting lives and dealing firmly with criminal activities hiding within religious communities.”

He concluded by noting that many Kenyans are willing to come forward and testify about religious manipulation, exploitation, and abuse, urging the government to act without fear or favour.

“The government must crack the whip,” Ngetich said. “This country must draw a clear line between genuine faith and dangerous deception, and the safety of Kenyans must come first.”