In the wake of at least 90 bodies retrieved from the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County in an alleged cult associated with Good News International Pastor Paul Mackenzie, Kenyans are opening up about their experiences with controversial sects.
Renowned journalist Eric Njoka on Wednesday, April 26, narrated how his mother succumbed to cancer after seeking medication in the controversial Loliondo sect.
Njoka, a former K24TV anchor, currently attached to WION as a news anchor and correspondent alleged that his mother was a staunch follower of the infamous self-proclaimed healer Babu wa Loliondo.
"My late mama was a believer. She went to Loliondo when the hype was high to get healed even after opposition from most of us. She had faith in the miracle healer except that nothing changed and cancer took her away from us," he recounted.
Njoka, therefore, urged Kenyans to avoid judging the victims who believed Paul Mackenzie's teachings and other cultic doctrines worldwide.
He, however, emphasised that the suspect should be punished if found guilty of the Shakahola massacre.
Notably, the late Ambilikile Mwasapile, alias Babu wa Loliondo from Tanzania, gained fame in 2010 after claiming he could cure Cancer, HIV, and Diabetes.
Hundreds flocked to his home looking for the 'miracle' cure; unfortunately, some died on the way. Babu wa Loliondo died in 2021, aged 86, at a health facility in Arusha.
Meanwhile, authorities, including President William Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, and others, vowed to ensure Mackenzie faces the full wrath of the law.
Ruto likened Mackenzie's character to that of a terrorist while condemning sects that urged Kenyans against visiting hospitals and taking children to schools.
"What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola is akin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr. Mackenzie, who pretends and postures as a pastor when in fact, he is a terrible criminal. Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts," Ruto stated.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji, recommended Mackenzie be charged with terrorism, radicalisation, and aiding individuals to kill themselves.
