A follower of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, reportedly died while in police custody on Wednesday, June 21.
Preliminary reports claimed that the deceased was on a hunger strike in protest against the arrest of his controversial pastor.
The victim was rushed to Malindi Hospital, where his condition deteriorated after persistently staging a hunger strike for ten days.
The State Counsel told the court that the other two followers were still in critical condition at Malindi Hospital.
In light of the tragedy, the State noted that the Mackenzie follower's death raised concerns about the level of radicalisation that the members of his controversial Good News Church underwent.
"His death is a reminder of the dangers of starvation and the need for proper medical care for those who are on hunger strikes.
"It is also a reminder of the need for further investigation into the activities of Pastor Paul Mackenzie," the State Counsel stated.
In April 2023, police rescued fifteen emaciated parishioners from Mackenzie's 800-acre Kilifi County property.
The latest death brings the toll to four three people who succumbed to complications as a result of the hunger strike.
The police are still investigating the deaths of Mackenzie's followers. It is not yet clear whether the victim's death was caused by the hunger strike or by other factors.
Paul Mackenzie is currently facing charges of murder, manslaughter, and child neglect. He is accused of leading his followers into starvation, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people.
Mackenzie was born in Malindi, Kenya, in 1970. He became a cab driver in the early 1990s, and in 1999, he founded the Good News International Church.
The church quickly gained popularity, and Mackenzie became known for his charismatic personality and his fiery sermons.
In February, Mackenzie began to preach a doctrine that encouraged his followers to starve themselves to death. He claimed that this was the only way to reach heaven. Many of his followers believed him, and they began to starve themselves.
In March 2023, the police raided Mackenzie's property in Shakahola Forest, where he had been living with his followers. The police found over 300 bodies on the property, all of which showed signs of starvation. Mackenzie was arrested again and charged with murder.
Mackenzie is currently awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
