ABSTRACT

A descriptive and qualitative study was carried out about roles of religion in socializing the people. It sought to establish the roles played by religion in society. The study area was Gachoka Division in Mbeere district, Kenya. The following objectives guided the study, to establish the extent to which religion has provided psychological support to the individuals; to find out how religion has created peace and stability in society; to find out how religion has helped to maintain society norms and values, to find out if there was any form of fundamentalism among the religious groups, 40 respondents were selected in this study they included 20 teachers and 10 children from Kamurugu primary school and 10 religious leaders from different religious groups. The instruments used were questionnaire which also acted as an interview guide for those who could not read or write. A focus group discussion had to be conducted to get more information about the study problem. Findings revealed that much as religion was playing a vital role in creating peace and stability in society by making its members obey society rules and regulation; by offering psychological order, it was however a root cause of conflicts due to fundamental tendencies recommended; sensitization of the people to avoid joining cults. Government to try and discourage the spread of cults. Religious leaders were encouraged to form a joint religious council.