Tanzania’s Government Orders Closure of Christian Life Church Led by Pastor ‘Kiboko ya Wachawi’

By Adonis Byemelwa

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.

The 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.