Editor's Review

On Saturday, seven bodies were retrieved from the farm, two in one shallow grave.


Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has weighed in on the Good News International Church saga that has seen several faithful dead over allegations of fasting to meet Jesus. 

Good News International Church is under Pastor Paul Mackenzie who was arrested in connection to the deaths of his followers under inhumane circumstances. 

Khalwale in a statement said the time has come for the freedom of worship to be examined to prevent the senseless loss of lives.

"The freedom of worship will have to be examined and scrutinised if allowing anybody who comes in the name of God to open a church means these senseless losses of lives of the unsuspecting members of the public," the Senator said.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie. PHOTO | COURTESY

Khalwale's comments come even as more bodies of the deceased followers of Pastor Mackenzie continue to be discovered on his 800-acre farm in Shakahoila in Kilifi County. 

On Saturday, seven bodies were retrieved from the farm, two in one shallow grave.

A team of about 100 officers led by the Homicide Unit Director together with a pathologist, officers from the DCI, the forensic Department, and regular police led the operation.

More than 32 graves were found. Bodies are covered with lesos in the graves.

During the operation, a Nigerian man who was looking for his six family members emerged.

He said his family members disappeared two weeks ago. 

He said his wife, child, and sisters came to Malindi and he suspects they came to the pastor in Shakahola.

The Nigerian said his wife left his home on April 8 for Likoni after which he joined his sisters to travel to Malindi.