The Historical Background and Development of Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement in Kenya: A Case of Catholic Diocese of Meru

The emergence and widespread of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement (CCRM) is clad with opportunities and challenges, attracting admirers and facing resistance from parish priests accusing them of defiance, divisions, confusion, and suspicion among the faithful. This article is an extraction of Mutua’s thesis (2023). The article sought to survey the historical development and characteristics of the CCRM in the Catholic Diocese of Meru (CDM).The study employed the Rational Choice Theory. This theory argues that religion and its systems compensate humans while human beings themselves are viewed as actors who act rationally as they make their best choices they calculate costs and gained benefits. A descriptive survey design was used whereby opinions of the CCRM members across the CDM were sought on its origins. A sample size was 352. Comprising of CCRM members and leaders. Priest and a bishop were used in data collection. The findings revealed that CCRM started in the CDM in 1996 and since then it has continued to spread and grow. Further, the findings indicated that despite facing initial resistance. The hierarchy of the Church across the CDM has embraced the movement in a bid to counter pressure and break away to other Charismatic/Pentecostal churches.