Seven more followers of Malindi cult rescued as preacher Paul Mackenzie awaits arraignment

Seven more followers of a cult-like religion in Shakahola village in Malindi, Kilifi County have been rescued. 

This comes as preacher Paul Mackenzie Nthenge of Good News International Church, who is said to be leading the cult awaits his arraignment at the Malindi High Court. 

Police will be seeking to be granted more time to hold Mackenzie as they gather more evidence against him for leading a cult-like religious ritual, where worshippers fast until “so that they can see God”.

On April 14, four followers of the cult, who were allegedly duped into fasting by Mackenzie died. 11 others were hospitalised. 

At the Malindi police station, family members of victims of Mackenzie gathered with the hopes of finding their relatives. 

Some said that they had seen their kin in the media after being rescued but they were yet to meet with them.

The families travelled from as far as Kisumu, Kapsabet, Kajiado and Machakos while others are residents of Kilifi County.

A team of detectives from Nairobi are said to be on their way to Malindi accompanied by the government pathologist so that they can visit the crime scene and exhume two bodies as ordered by a Malindi court two weeks ago.