BREAKING: Government Bans Five Popular Churches (FULL LIST)

BREAKING: Government Bans Five Popular Churches (FULL LIST)

Kenyan authorities have issued a ban on five churches, including one led by a suspected cult leader, who is accused of inciting over 400 of his followers to starve themselves to death. A government document released on Friday confirmed this action.

The Registrar of Societies announced in a gazette notice that the licence of Good News International Ministries, led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, was revoked as of May 19.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie (C), who set up the Good News International Church in 2003 and is accused of inciting cult followers to starve to death “to meet Jesus”, appears in the dock with other co-accused at the court in Malindi on May 2, 2023. – A Kenyan pastor appearing in court on May 2, 2023 will face terrorism charges, prosecutors said in connection with the deaths of over 100 people found buried in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”. The deeply religious Christian-majority country has been stunned by the discovery of mass graves last month in a forest near the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi. (Photo by SIMON MAINA / AFP)

Mackenzie allegedly encouraged his followers to starve themselves to death in an attempt to “meet Jesus,” causing shock throughout Kenya.

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While starvation was the primary cause of death, official autopsies revealed that some victims, including children, had also been strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

Four other churches were also banned, among them the New Life Prayer Centre and Church, led by televangelist Ezekiel Odero, who has connections to Mackenzie. Odero is facing various charges, including murder, aiding suicide, radicalisation, and money laundering.

Odero’s arrest in April followed the discovery of human remains in Shakahola forest near Malindi, with the victims believed to be followers of Mackenzie. Though the two preachers have been linked, Odero was released on bail in May, while Mackenzie’s detention was extended for 47 days pending further investigation.

Kenya, predominantly Christian, has struggled to regulate unethical churches and cults involved in criminal activities. The tragic events in what has become known as the “Shakahola forest massacre” prompted calls for tighter control over fringe religious groups in a country where self-declared pastors and movements have a history. However, previous attempts at regulation have faced opposition due to concerns about potential violations of the division of church and state.

With over 4,000 registered churches in Kenya, many led by charismatic pastors, the prevalence of the so-called prosperity gospel—urging heavy donations to improve financial fortunes—remains a significant issue.