Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – The International Church of Good News, led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge, has made headlines in Kenya once again. The church, which operates in a coastal forest, has been linked to the deaths of 109 people, with the majority being children. Among the victims is Sarah, a sister to one of the church’s followers who spoke to African Boulevard News about her despair.
Sarah is angry, and for good reason. Her brother, a devoted member of the church, lost his three children in a tragic fire that broke out in their makeshift home in the forest. “It’s devastating, I can’t even begin to explain the pain,” Sarah said. “My brother was a good father, but he was convinced that the church was the only way to salvation. Now, he’s lost everything.”
The International Church of Good News has been criticized by human rights groups for its extreme practices, including forced fasting and sleep deprivation. The church’s members are also known to live in squalid conditions, with many families living in cramped quarters with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.
The church’s leader, Paul Nthenge, has denied any wrongdoing and claims that his teachings are based on the Bible. However, the Kenyan government has launched an investigation into the church’s practices.
“People have a right to practice their religion, but this church is clearly putting lives at risk,” said a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We will not tolerate such blatant disregard for human life.”
The International Church of Good News is not the only religious organization in Kenya that has come under scrutiny. Over the years, several religious leaders and organizations have been accused of exploiting their followers for financial gain or engaging in illegal activities.
According to experts, the lack of regulation and oversight of religious organizations in Kenya has created an environment where unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of vulnerable citizens. “Religious organizations play an important role in society, but they must be held accountable for their actions,” said a human rights activist who wished to remain anonymous.
The tragic deaths of so many innocent people at the International Church of Good News have highlighted the need for greater scrutiny and oversight of religious organizations in Kenya. While the investigation into the church’s practices is ongoing, the government and civil society groups must work together to ensure that all religious organizations operate within the law and do not put the lives of their followers at risk.
In conclusion, the International Church of Good News and other religious organizations must be held accountable for their actions. The tragic deaths of 109 people, the majority of them children, is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked religious extremism. It is time for the government and civil society groups to take action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
