Mackenzie’s Good News, Odero’s Newlife among 5 churches deregistered

By: LABAN WANAMBISI 1 min read
Mackenzie’s Good News, Odero’s Newlife among 5 churches deregistered
Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie (C), who set up the Good News International Church in 2003 and is accused of inciting cult followers to starve to death "to meet Jesus", appears at the Shanzu law courts in Mombasa on May 5, 2023. A Kenyan cult leader accused of inciting and possibly forcing his followers to starve themselves to death appeared in court on May 5, 2023 in connection with the deaths of more than 100 people found buried in mass graves. The deeply religious Christian-majority country has been stunned by the discovery of the graves last month near the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi, in what has been dubbed the "Shakahola forest massacre". (Photo by SIMON MAINA / AFP)

NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 8 – Churches belonging to controversial preachers-Ezekiel Mackenzie and Paul Odero-are among five deregistered in the latest crackdown by the government.

Mackenzie’s Goodnews International Ministries and Odero’s Newlife Prayer Centre and Church were deregistered recently but the Gazette Notice was only made public on Friday.

Registrar of Societies Maria Nyariki, said the cancellation of their registration certificates was done on May 19th via a Gazette Notice.

Self-proclaimed evangelical pastor Mackenzie has been under investigation since May, following accusations that he encouraged approximately more than 400 of his followers to starve themselves to death.

Evangelist Odero, who was taken into custody in April, faced allegations of public indoctrination and claims that his church is involved in occult practices.

Additionally, other institutions affected by the deregistration include Theophilus Church, Helicopter of Christ Church, Royal Park Home Owners Estate Association Langata, and Kings Outreach Church.

LABAN WANAMBISI

LABAN WANAMBISI

Laban Wanambisi, is a journalist, who specializes in reporting Parliamentary and Political Affairs. He likes telling stories in a way that makes a difference in people's lives and the world.