The National Police Service NPS, through IG Japheth Koome, has addressed what it terms as “the disturbing and inhumane events” of the past couple of weeks that have led to the arrest of one Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a pastor leading a suspected religious cult dubbed Good News International Church, that has so far claimed several lives within Shakahola Village, Kilifi County and which has shaken the country and the world at large.
According to NPS criminal records, Paul Mackenzie has several previous different criminal records dating back to the year 2017. The most recent reports of activities of the cult leader were reportedly made to the Police on 17″ March, 2023, after he was linked with the death of two children who were allegedly starved to death on instructions issued by Paul Mckenzie that they observe fasting till death in order to meet their maker.
The accused, NPS says, was arrested and arraigned in Court on 23° March, 2023, before he was released by the Court on Kshs. 10,000 cash bail. He was again rearrested on 14″ April, 2023, after he surrendered himself to the Police, and thereafter arraigned in Malindi Law Courts on 17″ April, 2023 where, police details, a Custodial Order of fourteen days (14) was granted to enable Police conclude their investigations.
Following his recent arrest, those who have since been rescued alive are twenty-seven (29), while fifty eight (58) people have been confirmed dead, among them 50 bodies exhumed from shallow graves.
A team of experts from the National Police Service including forensic investigators, homicide detectives, the General Duty Officers, as well as Government Pathologists are on the ground conducting the investigation, operation and rescue efforts, and NPS wish to assure the public that all those culpable shall face the law.
“As a Service, we strongly condemn any form of religious organization that promotes extremist beliefs and operates outside the confines of the law, putting the safety and well being of Kenyans at risk and violating basic human rights; in this case, the right to life.” A statement from NPS says.
NPS cited the law says, “while Article 32 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 provides for the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion, the law further requires that the same be done within the boundaries of the law and with respect for the rights and safety of others.”
NPS further apologiesed to the public over the same.
“We sincerely thank members of public for their cooperation with the National Police Service since this matter came to fore. We also extend our gratitude to human rights organizations and most importantly, the media for their support.”
“The National Police Services would like to appeal to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our hotline numbers 999,911 and 112”
