Authorities in Kilifi County have shut down at least 11 churches in the last year, citing failure to meet registration requirements and involvement in radicalising their congregants.
The crackdown comes in the wake of cult-related deaths in Malindi, where more than 484 people, including over 450 followers of the Good News International Church under preacher Paul Mackenzie, perished in Shakahola Forest, while 34 others died in Kwa Binzaro village.
County Commissioner Josphat Biwott confirmed that the closed institutions were drawn from different denominations, though he declined to name them.
“We have closed over 11 churches in the past for not meeting the regulations. A church must have registration documents, and the pastor must be qualified,” Biwott said on Monday.
He explained that the new rules require all churches to be properly registered before they can operate, with preachers expected to provide all documentation for vetting. Pastors are also required to undergo formal theological training before being allowed to lead worshippers.
“Any pastor who opens a church must provide documentation. Without it, you are not fit to operate,” Biwott added.
“Cult leaders, advocates of religious extremism, fake prophets, and other unscrupulous leaders have also been put on notice.”
According to Biwott, the clampdown has forced some unlicensed churches and cult groups into remote areas.
“This has helped us reduce such operations. That’s why some go deep into forests, to avoid being seen,” he said.
The commissioner noted that enforcement is underway across all seven sub-counties, with the involvement of local leaders and residents.
“We’ve engaged village elders and political leaders to prevent more tragedies like Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro,” he said.
Meanwhile, detectives have discovered new mass graves in Kwa Binzaro. Exhumations will start once autopsies on the 34 bodies and 102 body parts already recovered are concluded.
At the same time, the prosecution has closed its case against preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused, who face charges of torturing children in Shakahola. Mackenzie—also known as Mtumishi, Nabii, and Papaa—and others are alleged to have subjected minors to beatings with sticks and whippings using thorny branches between 2020 and 2023.
The case has seen the prosecution, led by lawyers Victor Owiti, Alexander Jami, and Betty Rudia, present 76 witnesses and more than 100 exhibits, including photographs, videos, and WhatsApp messages linked to Mackenzie’s followers. Sixteen witnesses, among them 13 children, testified under protection.
The matter is scheduled for mention on October 14, 2025, when the court will confirm readiness for the proceedings.
