Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – Two pastors based in coastal Kenya have appeared in court over the deaths of at least 110 of their congregants, many of whom are believed to have starved to death. Paul Nthenge Mackenzie will face terrorism charges while his counterpart, Odero, remains in custody.
Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, also known as Pastor Paul, is the founder of the Agape Ministry of Holy Angels church in Mombasa, while Odero leads the Jehovah Wanyonyi sect in Kibwezi. Both pastors were arrested following a raid on their churches last month, which uncovered evidence of human rights abuses and serious misconduct.
The Agape Ministry of Holy Angels church is believed to have been operating as a cult, with members subjected to strict rules and severe punishment if they disobeyed. According to witnesses, many of the congregation members were forced to fast for days on end, leading to severe malnutrition and, in some cases, death.
Speaking to African Boulevard News, Dr. Peter Kagwanja, a senior fellow at the Africa Policy Institute, said: “These so-called pastors are nothing but criminals who have taken advantage of vulnerable people in society. The charges against them must be pursued vigorously, and they should face the full force of the law.”
The Jehovah Wanyonyi sect, on the other hand, is known for its extreme beliefs, including the rejection of modern medicine and education. Members of the sect, who refer to Odero as “Baba”, claim that he has supernatural powers and can perform miracles.
The case has sparked outrage in Kenya, with many demanding that the government takes action to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In a statement, the Interior Ministry vowed to crack down on all cults and sects operating in the country, urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities.
“It is our duty to protect all Kenyans from these dangerous and criminal elements. We will not tolerate any form of abuse, exploitation, or manipulation. The law will take its course, and justice will be served,” the statement read.
In conclusion, the arrest and charges against both pastors are a step towards justice for the victims and their families. The Kenyan government must ensure that all cults and sects are closely monitored to prevent such atrocities from happening again. It is imperative to hold these leaders accountable for their crimes and protect vulnerable members of society.
