Kilifi: Pastor arrested over deaths of church members after tree-climbing rituals

Security authorities in Kilifi County have arrested a pastor from the New Foundation Church located in Chakama, Magarini Constituency, following complaints linking him to the mysterious deaths of several of his followers.

The pastor, identified as Abel Kahindi Gandi, is accused of performing questionable spiritual practices involving what he calls the "Tree of Life." According to Gandi, followers climb the tree as part of a spiritual ritual and, upon descending, are believed to have received solutions to their problems.

However, police investigations have revealed that several followers have died under unclear circumstances, prompting the arrest. Gandi, who is currently being held at the Malindi Police Station, has denied any wrongdoing.

“These allegations are false. I have not killed anyone. I do the work as God has instructed me. That tree is the Tree of Life. The people who come here are possessed by evil spirits. When they climb the tree, the spirits leave them. I welcome the government to investigate thoroughly—they will find the truth,” said Gandi.

According to police findings, the preacher has been conducting his ministry without using the Bible, operating from a church built deep in the Chakama forest.

Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya, who led the operation to arrest the pastor, has since ordered the closure of the church as investigations continue.

"After questioning him, we were shocked to learn that he doesn't even own a Bible. He places deep belief in the so-called Tree of Life. His followers, many of whom seem to be under some kind of influence, believe that climbing the tree will drive out evil spirits. We have ordered the immediate closure of the church. The pastor is now in government custody,” said Commissioner Mutisya.