Kenya : The « Man Of God » who killed hundreds
The story of the controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie began prior to 2019, when he relocated from his primary church in Malindi to Shakahola. Through the assistance of his television network, he successfully advanced his message and subsequently increased his number of followers.
Mackenzie initially preached to his followers that formal education and employment were against God’s will, which led many of his disciples to not only resign from their well-paying jobs but also destroy their professional certifications. They abandoned their families and subjected themselves to starvation in the name of fasting, as they believed it was the only way to connect with God.
Furthermore, Mackenzie condemned any follower who engaged in economic activities, particularly business, claiming it went against God’s command.
To avoid public criticism, Mackenzie sold his television network to Pastor Ezekiel of New Life Ministry. However, he continued his activities in secrecy. Recent reports reveal that Mackenzie owns 800 acres of land, on which over 100 graves exist. With the help of some of his church leaders, he has discreetly buried his deceased followers.
WHY DEATH?
Mackenzie has been instructing his followers that in order to see God, they must fast without food or water. To ensure they do not give in to their basic needs, locals have revealed that Mackenzie and his closest allies have been tying congregants to trees.
Recently, Kenya’s DCI experts discovered over 100 graves, with the latest one containing the remains of a family of five: a father, mother, and their children. Law enforcement officers continue to exhume bodies for autopsies conducted by government pathologists.
Hundreds of emaciated Good News Believers have been rescued in the forest, with others tied to trees, waiting for their inevitable death due to fasting. As DCI investigations intensify, hundreds of families are joining the search for their missing loved ones.
John, not his real name, attested that « A family from Sosobora village in Langobaya Division is still searching for their family members–a husband, wife, her sister, and three children–who were Good News Faithful. »
Jimmy, the son of a departed family, narrated that his dad instructed him to collect his belongings near the beloved temple in Shakahola, and while doing so, they found a letter.
The controversial pastor is alleged to have an operation gang responsible for burying emaciated bodies after prolonged fasting. The gang dug shallow graves and buried congregants for a fee. Their gang leader is believed to be a close friend of the notorious pastor within the church. Police officers are currently on a manhunt after discovering their hideout and seizing machetes, shovels, jembes, and other items.
THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENE
Human rights activists claim that the government acted too late to prevent the damage caused by Mackenzie’s teachings. Families lost their breadwinners as followers, including elites, were brainwashed to resign from their jobs. As a result, hundreds of children were left orphaned at a young age.
Jimmy shared that « The letter was written; look for your mother and sisters. If you find them alive, take care of them. Your father is going to Paradiso. »
After being arrested in connection with the initial deaths of three children, Mackenzie managed to evacuate hundreds of followers in a truck that used the Baolala-Sosobora-Mongotini route in Kilifi County to an unknown destination. Police officers are still investigating and searching for the truck and the whereabouts of the transported individuals.
Mackenzie remains in police custody until the search and investigation are complete. Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro has urged the court not to release the « man of God » until the « religious massacre » is fully investigated.
While in custody, Mackenzie staged a hunger strike, claiming he has not eaten since his arrest four days ago. He says he wants to go to paradise as well.
Sources:
Johari times publication
Locals
Samuel Mbogoh, Kenya.
