Barely a week after a church in Rongo was shut down following the deaths of several worshippers due to starvation, police in Kilifi County have closed another church in Chakama, Malindi - near the infamous Shakahola Forest where cult leader Paul Mackenzie operated.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno told Saturday Nation that three congregants have so far died.
Mr Abel Kahindi Gandi, 48, of the New Foundation Church in Chakama location, Malindi Sub-county, was arrested on Thursday and his church closed.
The 'tree of life' outside the New Foundation in Mwagandi village in Chakama on April 24, 2025. It is believed to have healing powers to exorcise demons.
Photo credit: Maureen Ongala | Nation Media Group
The arrest was carried out by Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya and his Malindi counterpart, David Lusava.
The County Security Committee held a brief meeting at the church before arresting Mr Gandi, who identified himself as the church’s pastor.
Mr Mutisya said the arrest followed reports of cult-like practices and deaths occurring during prayer sessions.
“Because people have lost their lives and he is the central figure, the matter must be thoroughly investigated,” he said.
A chair inside the New Foundation Church owned by Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi in Malindi.
Photo credit: Maureen Ongala | Nation Media Group
Authorities have now launched investigations into deaths at the church, its ‘unorthodox’ traditions, and the pastor’s qualifications to preach.
“Due to these confusing and suspicious circumstances, the County Security Committee agrees with the Malindi Sub-county Security Committee that the church should be closed immediately and the pastor detained until investigations are complete,” Mr Mutisya said.
New Foundation Church, owned by Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi at Mwagandi village in Malindi.
Photo credit: Maureen Ongala | Nation Media Group
Trouble for Mr Gandi began after a woman died during an overnight prayer session at the church sometime last year.
Mr Mutisya alleged that Mr Gandi uses unusual and potentially harmful methods of exorcism on his followers.
“He instructs individuals said to be possessed by demons to climb a ‘tree of life’ within the church compound to expel the spirits, and he sells ‘living water’ to his followers,” said the deputy commissioner.
Mr Mutisya said that Mr Gandi lacked basic religious knowledge, was unfamiliar with burial protocols, did not use the Bible during services, and did not baptise congregants.
“He couldn’t even state how many followers he had, as he kept no register - unlike established churches,” he added, referencing Mr Gandi’s confession during a closed-door meeting with the security team.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Gandi defended his practices, asserting that his teachings were divinely inspired.
Furniture inside the New Foundation Church owned by Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi in Malindi.
Photo credit: Maureen Ongala | Nation Media Group
He admitted to believing in the “tree of life,” claiming that those who climbed it were freed from demonic possession. However, he denied that people had died during his prayer sessions.
“One person died during prayers, but she had been brought here while I was away in Malindi. I didn’t get a chance to pray for her. No one has died in my presence,” he said.
He also insisted that he uses a Bible during his sermons and welcomed the investigations, pledging full cooperation.
“I am doing what the Lord has sent me to do. Since I have nothing to hide, I welcome the investigations,” he said.
The incident in Chakama rekindles Shakahola tragedy, where more than 400 people died after being radicalised by Paul Mackenzie’s cult to starve themselves in the name of faith.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said officers raided the church and found close to 200 people being served what was described as “holy water”, sold at Sh100 per bottle.
“We found hundreds of worshippers being exploited under the guise of religion. A litre of so-called holy water was going for Sh100,” Mr Murkomen said.
“We cannot allow rogue preachers to continue endangering lives under the cover of freedom of worship,” he said.
Mr Murkomen referenced Rwanda’s regulatory approach following the 1994 genocide, suggesting that Kenya must vet and licence religious organisations to ensure only genuine institutions are permitted to operate.
“This idea that anyone can claim to know the way to heaven through ‘holy water’ and start a church overnight must be addressed,” he said.
