Residents of Migingo Village in Malindi, Kilifi County, lifted the lid on controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie's sole purpose for relocating to the town in 2015 was to convert as many followers to his beliefs.
Speaking to the media, Johnson Katana pointed out that pastor Mackenzie was embroiled in a scuffle with a nearby school after children became his staunch followers and regularly engaged in fasting.
Owing to this, the pastor purchased a field in Shakahola forest where he relocated in 2022. When he left, Katana indicated, he had converted many into his followers at his then newfound church, Good News International.
"His followers began following him one by one. It was not only children who fasted, even adults were at his every beck and call. A lot of marriages dissolved because of the pastor," he noted.
The neighbours expressed concern after the news of the massacre that occurred at Shakahola forest broke the previous week.
"We are devastated because most of those who died are people who we know very well," he stated.
The news has gained nationwide attention as influential people from religious and political circles weighed in on the matter.
Speaking to the media, Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria condemned the act and termed it as extremism where some use the scripture to deceive their followers.
“Religion cannot be and should not be the cause of people losing lives through radical extremism that people have to do exceptional things to gain blessings from God," he pointed out.
His words were echoed by Evans Omollo, the assistant provost at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi who insisted that all religious leaders ought to be held accountable for their actions.
“Kindly let us not hide under this cover of freedom of expression, freedom of religion and worship that is provided for in our constitution. We must hold pastors accountable," Omollo affirmed.
On the other hand, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki warned the culprits found guilty of leading the cult movement in Shakahola village, indicating that they will be subjected to severe punishments as subjected by the law.
"While the state remains respectful of religious freedom, this horrendous blight on our conscience must lead not only to the most severe punishment of the perpetrators of the atrocity on so many innocent souls, but tighter regulation (including self-regulation) of every church, mosque, temple or synagogue going forward," Kindiki stated.
As of Sunday, April 23, 18 more bodies were exhumed from Shakahola village bringing the tally to 39.
