The
government has ordered the closure of the Christian Life Church, led by Pastor
Dominique Kashoix Dibwe, also known as "Kiboko ya Wachawi" (The
Witch-Hunter's Scourge), located in Buza Kwa Lulenge, Dar es Salaam. The church
has been closed for violating registration regulations.
A letter from the Ministry of Home Affairs, dated July 25, 2024, directed the Chairman of the Christian Life Church and Pastor Dibwe to close the church branch in Buza Kwa Lulenge, Temeke District.
A large crowd recently
flocked to Buza for a vigil led by Pastor Dominique Dibwe, known as "The
Witch Slayer," reflecting his strong following despite recent
controversies. Photo: CourtesyThe
closure is due to activities contravening the requirements of Section 17 of the
Civil Societies Act, Chapter 337, as amended by the Miscellaneous Amendments
Act No. 3 of 2019, which may result in the church's deregistration and removal
from the register of civil societies.
The
reasons for the closure include teachings that cause panic in the community and
sermons that are contrary to the morals, customs, and culture of Tanzania.
Other allegations include derogatory sermons, incitement, and encouraging
church members to kill individuals accused of witchcraft.
The
letter, signed by the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa, also
mentions that these actions contradict Christian beliefs and the church's
constitution and rules, including setting a fee of Sh500,000 for prayer
services.
Copies
of the letter were sent to the Minister of Home Affairs, the Inspector General
of Police, the Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, and the District
Commissioner of Temeke for appropriate action.
The
church was instructed to halt all activities and services by July 28, 2024.
Following the news, some church items were seen being removed.
Shabani
Ramadhani, Chairman of the Kidagaa neighborhood where the church is located,
reported seeing canopies and speakers being removed from the church. Upon
inquiry, he was informed that a letter had been received from Dodoma ordering
an immediate cessation of the church's activities.
Ramadhani
noted a decline in church attendance and observed items being removed, with
workers expressing concern about their future. Due to the large number of
people attending the church, local authorities had increased security to ensure
the safety of those entering and leaving.
Attempts
to contact Pastor Dibwe were unsuccessful. Unlike other days, the church was
almost empty, with only a few individuals seen removing equipment and loading
it into a truck.
This
development comes about two weeks after reports highlighted how some prophets
and priests have been amassing wealth by charging congregants for prayers and
selling anointing and healing products such as water, salt, oil, and clothes.
During
an undercover visit to the church, it was observed that an announcement was
made that congregants must pay Sh500,000 to receive prayers from Pastor Dibwe,
known as "Kiboko ya Wachawi." It was also announced that holy water
would be sold for Sh2,000.
Some
church members shared their struggles, with one woman, Upendo Ngowi (not her
real name), explaining that she had borrowed money to pay for prayers but was
asked to pay an additional Sh300,000. She was left with only Sh10,000 for her
return fare.
When
contacted, Pastor Dibwe did not respond to calls or messages. In a sermon on
July 14, 2024, he acknowledged being contacted by the media but chose not to
respond.
He
claimed that those who criticize him are jealous and noted that the number of
church attendees continues to grow. He invited people from all churches and
mosques to attend his church, assuring them they would not be deceived.
Pastor
Dibwe announced a two-week campaign starting July 15, urging members to
participate, and criticized other churches and mosques for labeling him a
witch. He claimed that the growing pressure on social media was due to the
impending decline of other religious institutions. He recounted his background
as a businessman and a member of another church before founding Christian Life
Church.
In
Tanzania, churches and other religious institutions must register with the
Ministry of Home Affairs to operate legally. This process involves submitting
an application detailing the organization's constitution, objectives,
leadership, and activities. Registration ensures that religious entities
operate transparently, adhere to national laws, and respect cultural norms.
Churches
may face deregistration for several reasons. This includes violating laws, such
as inciting violence or defrauding congregants, conducting teachings or
practices deemed contrary to public morals or order, and failing to comply with
administrative requirements like regular reporting.
In
recent years, several churches have been closed due to these reasons. For
instance, the Fahamu Kazi na Nguvu za Roho Church was shut down in 2019 for
spreading false prophecies and promoting harmful practices.
The
Kanisa la GRC Ministries faced closure the same year over allegations of
financial impropriety and unauthorized activities. Another example is the
Kanisa la EAGT Mito ya Baraka, which ceased operations in 2020 for failing to
comply with registration and public health guidelines during the COVID-19
pandemic.
These
actions often generate mixed reactions. The government emphasizes the need to
protect the public from potential exploitation or harmful activities, while
congregants may see such closures as an infringement on their religious
freedoms. The recent closure of Pastor Dibwe's Christian Life Church,
specifically for practices considered contrary to societal norms and legal
requirements, is part of a broader governmental effort to ensure that religious
practices align with the law and contribute positively to social cohesion and
public order.