The Legio Maria of African Church Mission has spoken out against the cultic activities of a church in Malindi that resulted in the death of 21 people. In a statement issued by its Director of Youth Affairs and Bishop of Lugari Diocese, Wycliffe Nyaperah, the organization called for the government to deregister suspect churches in order to protect people from potential abuse. The statement also condemned churches that use the name of God to harm or extort their followers.
Nyaperah stated that the news about the Malindi church was disturbing and emphasized that fasting should be voluntary, done within a specified period of time, and with moderation so as not to cause harm. He added that holding people hostage and making them starve to death was not godly but satanic.
The Malindi church was led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who was arrested by police for allegedly misleading his congregants into fasting to their death. Homicide detectives have exhumed up to 21 bodies of people believed to be the followers of Mackenzie. The Legion Maria church expressed sadness that such a tragedy could take place in a premise perceived to be a dwelling of God, where people sought salvation but ended up in a death trap.
Nyaperah expressed condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and called on them to find solace in the Lord. He emphasized that a church is supposed to be a safe haven for all, a place for healing, not death. He urged the government to punish any criminal activities that take place within church premises and to weed out rogue or ghost pastors before they cause harm to innocent faithful.
Finally, the church appealed to everyone to be cautious before joining any church and to do a background check. This is particularly important given the rise of rogue churches that use the name of God to exploit their followers. The Legion Maria of African Church Mission’s statement serves as a warning to both the government and the public about the dangers of unscrupulous religious leaders and the need for vigilance in matters of faith.
