The recent discovery of over 100 bodies of Kenyan cult members in a mass grave in Kenya’s coastal region has shocked the nation and drawn attention to the dangers of fringe religious groups. The victims are believed to be members of a cult led by a self-proclaimed pastor, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who allegedly encouraged his followers to starve themselves to death in order to reach God. This tragic event has sparked an investigation into the activities of such groups and raised questions about the government’s response to their activities. Here, we will explore the details of the Shakahola deaths and shed light on the events leading up to it.
How it All Started
In 2003, a televangelist named Mackenzie established his church in Malindi, a beach town in Kenya. Since then, he has been at odds with authorities who accused him of pressuring students to drop out of school. However, he closed the church in 2019 and moved to Shakahola with a small group of members.
Mackenzie claims to have prophetic powers and to have seen visions of Jesus. He told his followers to quit their jobs, drop out of formal schooling, stop eating “worldly food,” and avoid seeking medical treatment in hospitals if they became ill. The followers were required to convene on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. under a tree for “life lessons.” Mackenzie claimed that the fast would only count if they gathered together, and he offered his farm as a fasting location. He also allegedly told them that if they wanted to go to heaven, they were not to mix with anyone from the “outside” world and were to burn all official documents, including national IDs and birth certificates.
On March 16 and 17, 2023, two children allegedly starved and suffocated to death on the advice of their parents, who were followers of Mackenzie. The government-authorised rescue began on April 13. Mackenzie was charged with the crime on March 23 and released on bail.
Police investigations led them to Shakahola, where they discovered 16 emaciated people, four of whom died before reaching the hospital. Since the rescue operation began, at least 108 bodies have been exhumed, 27 people have been rescued and admitted to a hospital for acute starvation, and 39 known members of the cult are still missing. Villagers say that the Shakahola deaths could be more, as the farm housed 300 people, so there could be more missing people.
The search for bodies and survivors of the Kenyan cult is still ongoing. Some of the followers who are still refusing to eat claim they were urged to starve to prevent devastating punishment. Unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the cult members who attempted to break the fast were killed and buried. One of the remains retrieved from the graves was of a healthy-looking person whose body was not emaciated.
What Did Pastor Mackenzie Say About the Shakahola Deaths Allegation?
Upon several allegations over the Shakahola deaths, on April 14, the pastor surrendered himself to the police and is currently in custody while investigations are ongoing. He has reportedly refused to eat and has not spoken to the police or any representatives since his surrender.
The pastor had previously spoken out about the accusations against him after being released on bail, stating that he was shocked by the allegations and had closed his church in Malindi in August 2019. He claimed to have sold all the equipment and chairs, and urged his former followers to worship on their own and not under his name. He also emphasised that people should follow Christ and not Pastor Mackenzie.
The pastor went on to blame the media for misquoting him and taking his words out of context. He specifically mentioned an incident where he had preached about the evils of earthly education and was subsequently taken to court for allegedly telling children not to attend school. The pastor denied this accusation, stating that it was a prophecy and that he did not force his teachings on anyone.
The investigations into the pastor’s alleged involvement in the deaths of Kenyan cult members are still ongoing, and it is not yet clear what charges he will face.
Who Else is Allegedly Involved in the Shakahola Deaths?
Kenyan authorities have arrested Ezekiel Odero, the head of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, over suspected deaths at his church as part of a widening investigation following the Shakahola deaths. Odero was arrested in the coastal town of Malindi, where his church is based, and was later transferred to the regional police headquarters in Mombasa for questioning.
Although police have not linked him to Paul Mackenzie, the alleged Kenyan cult leader, they have promised to crack down on fringe denominations following the discovery of several bodies. Most of those found in mass graves were children, and police fear the death toll could rise as the search widens.
So far, at least 22 people have been arrested in connection with investigations into the Shakahola deaths. Odero, a wealthy televangelist who draws huge crowds, claims that “holy” scraps of cloth sold at his mega-rallies can heal sickness. The government commissioner for the region, Rhoda Onyancha, confirmed that the prayer center had been closed going forward, but did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations against Odero or his church over the Shakahola deaths..