Kenya
300 victims of horror unit – Pastor may be charged with genocide
Dozens of people have starved to death after a minister preached that skipping meals was a way to meet Jesus.
Published
Police were called to Pastor Paul McKenzie’s property in April after investigators received a tip.
Screenshot Twitter
Thousands of people in Kenya listen to the minister.
IMAGO/Kick USA
The death toll in the coastal forest has now risen to more than 300.
IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
Prior to his arrest in April, the pastor was charged in connection with the disappearance of the children, but was released on bail.
IMAGO/ZUMA Wire
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A Kenyan spiritual leader is due back in court this week to face terrorism or genocide charges.
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More than 300 bodies have now been found in mass graves in a wooded area near the coast near Paul McKenzie’s country.
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The cult leader reportedly forced people to fast until they starved.
Chairman A Christian Sect Kenya will remain in police custody for another month while the bodies are exhumed from mass graves Found in his land continued.
The death toll has now crossed 300. Another 19 bodies were found in mass graves in a wooded area near the beach, authorities said on Tuesday. More casualties are expected as further excavations are planned. Local government chairman Rhoda Onyanja said 613 people are still missing in the area.
Forced people to fast
Police were called to Pastor Paul McKenzie’s property in April after investigators received tips that dozens of people had starved to death because the minister said it was a way to meet Jesus. “There are people who don’t want to preach about Jesus. They say their children are crying because they are hungry and they want to die. Any problem there? », as the BBC writes, he allegedly said in a sermon to a follower.
The emaciated followers were treated at a hospital in Malindi before being taken home.
YouTube continues to make money from Christian videos
The cleric was known for performing exorcisms in which he “tortured” the demonic forces within his followers – mostly women – while they writhed on the floor, YouTube videos allegedly show. BBC Thousands of subscribers watch videos regularly, which means YouTube earns money from videos through online ads. Google and Meta did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.
The Last Sermons was reportedly filmed in Nairobi in January 2020. McKenzie is due back in court this week. Home Affairs Minister Kindiki Gidure hinted that the priest could be charged with terrorism or genocide.
Before his arrest in April, the pastor was charged in connection with the disappearance of the children, but was released on bail.
Are you or someone you know being pressured by the faith community?
You can find help here:
InfoSectOffice of Religious Affairs, Tel. 044 454 80 80
RelinfoEvangelical Information Center Churches – Denominations – Religions, Tel. 078 840 24 06
Hand givenConcern Hotline, Tel. 143
For the youthCounseling for Children and Youth, Tel. 147
(DPA/sys)
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