Analysis of Christian Union students’ perceptions of Peer Pressure as a factor influencing Cultism in Public Universities in Kenyas in Public Senior Schools in Nakuru County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to analyse Christian Union (CU) students’ perceptions of peer pressure as a factor influencing cultism in public universities in Kenya. The study focused on CU students because they represent an evangelical student fellowship and have been identified as a major target for cult recruiters, making them well positioned to assess how peer pressure influences students’ vulnerability to cultism. The study was conducted in six selected public universities where cases of cultism have been reported (FOCUS Kenya, 2020; Kenya Police Service, 2018). The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design guided by Bounded Choice Theory. The target population comprised 55,600 CU students in Kenyan public universities, while the accessible population consisted of 10,900 CU students from the six selected universities. A sample of 220 CU students was selected using simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Of these, 193 responded, yielding an 88% response rate. Additionally, 60 small-group Bible study leaders and six CU patrons were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between peer pressure and the prevalence of cultism (r = 0.612, p < .05), suggesting that peers can influence students’ recruitment into cult groups. The study recommends equipping new students with practical skills to recognise, resist, and manage peer pressure during university orientation to reduce their vulnerability to cult recruitment.