Controversial Pastor Mackenzie Speaks On New Kilifi Cult
Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie has denied any involvement in a Kilifi cult that has garnered widespread attention in the Coast region.
The preacher, Wycliffe Makasembo, denied involvement in religious radicalisation in Binzaro village, Kilifi County, speaking via his lawyer.
Mackenzie is currently entangled in a dramatic court battle involving the Shakahola Massacre.
This week, three persons were detained, three more were rescued, and two human skulls and a body were discovered in the vicinity.
The pastor was linked to the crime as one of the arrested was said to be a member of Mackenzie’s church, sparking speculation about the preacher’s participation.
“Claims are emerging that one of those arrested was a believer (of Mackenzie), but for now, those are all matters under investigation,” Makasembo stated.
“So, for now, I cannot fully ascertain whether one was a member of his (Mackenzie’s) church.”
Lawyer representing controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, Lawrence Obonyo, has dismissed allegations linking his client to killings and radical teachings in the Bi-Nzaro area dubbed the “second Shakahola” in Malindi, Kilifi County pic.twitter.com/ovBnHTQ4cL
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) July 25, 2025
The lawyer also appeared to question the accusations’ legitimacy, pointing out that the Binzaro incident occurred a short distance from Mackenzie’s church.
“According to the reports we are receiving so far, it seems like this incident happened far from where Mackenzie stayed, so we cannot establish a connection between the two,” he noted.
The latest development comes after Mackenzie’s cult is suspected of killing 191 people between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola area, Malindi Sub-County, Kilifi County.
The horrific scope of the massacre became clear in March-April 2023, when authorities uncovered shallow graves and starving persons in the forest after receiving tips from local media and human rights advocates.
The fatalities included 11 recognized children, 82 unnamed male children, 72 unidentified female children, and 26 youngsters whose gender was unknown.
Investigations and examinations indicated that the vast majority of victims died of starvation after being supposedly ordered by Mackenzie to fast to death “to meet Jesus” before the end of the world, which he preached about.
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However, examinations revealed other causes of death, such as strangulation, suffocation, and blunt force trauma, implying that not all deaths were deliberate or completely caused by malnutrition.
The death toll has tragically increased as exhumations continue.
As of June 12, 2024, the official total of dead retrieved was 448. A large number of the deceased were youngsters.
The Kenya Red Cross has reported over 600 individuals missing, implying that the final number of victims could be significantly higher.
After the discovery, Mackenzie and 30 others were charged with murder, manslaughter, radicalisation, child torture and cruelty, terrorism, and related charges, as well as engaging in organised criminal activity.
Controversial Pastor Mackenzie Speaks On New Kilifi Cult
