Nairobi, Kenya.- (African Boulevard News) – The Criminal Investigation Department in Kenya has made yet another gruesome discovery in the south eastern county of Kilifi. Over 45 corpses have been uncovered, most of which were found on a land owned by a self-proclaimed pastor who allegedly encouraged his followers to fast to death.
The followers were reportedly starving themselves on the pastor’s instructions in order to “meet Jesus.” The pastor, Paul Makenzi of the Good News International Church, has been detained for over a week along with six of his followers. Makenzi has been arrested twice before, in 2019 and in March of this year, in relation to the deaths of children. Each time, he was released on bond, and both cases are still proceeding through the court.
Local politicians have urged the court not to release Makenzi this time, decrying the spread of cults in the Malindi area. Makenzi’s case will be mentioned in court on May 2nd.
Tip off from the public
Police raided Makenzi’s property after a tipoff from members of the public. The raid revealed 15 emaciated people, including the four who later died. The followers said they were starving at the pastor’s instruction in order to meet Jesus.
Digging started on Friday, April 21st after police received information about dozens of shallow graves spread across Makenzi’s farm. Over 45 corpses have been found so far.
Hussein Khalid of the rights group Haki Africa has called for psychosocial counselling for members of the cult. He urged that “These are victims, these are not criminals. We need psychosocial counselling so that they can be deradicalised and understand what is happening.”
The child protection officer in Malindi sub county, Kilifi county was horrified: “The childhood belongs to the family and the community. And here when they were coming out, they were tied with ropes and forced to fast for up to, until they pass on. That is a big blow and a big shock to our country. What cruelty if not this one,” Sebastian Muteti concluded.
Repeat offender pastor
This is not the first time Makenzi has been arrested in relation to the deaths of his followers. In 2019 and again in March of this year, he was arrested and released on bond. Both cases are still in court.
The authorities are facing criticism for releasing Makenzi after the previous arrests. According to reports, local politicians have urged the court not to release him this time, decrying the spread of cults in the area.
Psychosocial counseling for the victims
The director of Haki Africa, Hussein Khalid has called for psychosocial counseling for members of the cult. According to him, “These are victims, these are not criminals. We need psychosocial counseling so that they can be deradicalized and understand what is happening.”
The child protection officer in Malindi sub county, Kilifi county was also horrified, stating that “The childhood belongs to the family and the community. And here when they were coming out, they were tied with ropes and forced to fast for up to, until they pass on. That is a big blow and a big shock to our country. What cruelty if not this one,” Sebastian Muteti concluded.
Conclusion
The discovery of over 45 corpses on a farm owned by a self-proclaimed pastor has shocked the country. The pastor has been arrested for allegedly telling his followers to fast to death. The case will be mentioned in court on May 2nd. Local politicians have urged the court not to release him this time, decrying the spread of cults in the area. Psychosocial counseling has been called for the victims of the cult.
