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{
    "id": 1325528,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1325528/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 957,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Mungatana, MGH",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "of the investigation and handing over of the final investigation report to the Director of Public Prosecutions. (7) The Director of Public Prosecutions to pursue the prosecution of the existing charges against Paul Mackenzie as well as lodge fresh formal charges against Paul Mackenzie and other persons revealed to be culpable. (9) The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration formulates and issues guidelines setting out criteria for identification of harmful religious doctrines and clear procedures for county security committees to monitor and expedite action on intelligence reports pertaining to individuals and religious organisations advancing harmful religious doctrines within 90 days of the adoption of this report by the Senate. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Committee conducted a comprehensive audit of the current legal framework, guiding registration and operation of religious organisations. Additionally, the Committee examined other jurisdictions that have experienced violent cult incidences, including Rwanda, Uganda, France and Japan. The Committee observed that, in order to address the current challenges and prevent a similar tragedy, it is necessary to create a responsible legal and institutional framework that does not curtail the freedom of religion guaranteed in the Constitution, but deals with the challenges that we experienced during this whole Shakahola incidence. While many of the religious organisations that came before us opted for self- regulation, as a Committee, we also received calls for regulation. This was because of the question – “where was the Government when all this was happening?” Therefore, it is clear that the people also expect the hand of the Government in regulation without offending the provisions of freedom of worship within the Constitution. The balance will then be between freedom of worship and public security concerns. The Committee, therefore, proposes that; The Religious Organisations Bill, 2023, annexed to this Report, comes up with a hybrid legislative framework that allows for both State and self-regulation at the same time. We have tried to balance where the Government and the state come in to answer the question – “where was the Government when all these things were happening?” However, in this legislative proposal, we have improved on how churches and all other religious organisations can do self-regulation. The Bill will provide for the regulation of religious organisations. It will also provide for the establishment of the Office of Registrar of Religious Organisations, a framework for registration of umbrella bodies, qualifications of religious leaders, offenses and penalties for non-compliance amongst others. I do not want to go too much into what the Bill says and does not say. However, we believe that this is one of the major outputs of this Committee. We have come up with a proper law that we will process through this Senate. Hopefully it will get concurrence with our colleagues in the National Assembly. This law then will solve the problem of the balancing between the religious freedom and public safety concerns. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I finish by paying tribute to the victims. Our Committee expresses deep sorrow at the Shakahola tragedy. We send heartfelt condolences to the families and those who lost their loved ones in this whole tragedy. The Committee also The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}