- EDITOR’S BRIEF: Mackenzie’s arrival in Migingo village had far-reaching consequences, with many of his followers disappearing after following his teachings. The discovery of graves in Shakahola forest has further highlighted the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders without question. It is a cautionary tale for people to be more discerning and vigilant about those who claim to have a message of salvation or hope.
Migingo village in Malindi, Kilifi County, was the location where controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie first arrived in 2015 with a clear mission to convert as many followers as possible to his Good News International. Mackenzie set up his base within a compound surrounded by a concrete wall, where his family is also believed to reside.
According to neighbors, Mackenzie left Migingo village last year after settling there in 2015. During his time in the village, he had successfully converted many followers who continued to follow him even after his departure. Many of his followers were so devoted that they fasted and some neighbors reported that disputes between couples arose due to Mackenzie’s influence.
However, the village’s peace was shattered when the shocking discovery of graves at Shakahola forest surfaced last week. The neighbors were shocked to learn that some of the missing persons who disappeared after following Mackenzie’s teachings were among the dead.
Families of believers who are still missing have been camping at the Malindi police station and Shakahola forest, hoping to find their loved ones. Some have come from as far as Nyanza and Western regions. Despite the disappointment of receiving disappointing responses to their phone calls, some families have refused to leave until they receive reports of their loved ones. The families have called on the government to put more effort into searching for those who are still missing.
As detectives continue to uncover more graves, the number of bodies exhumed from Shakahola forest has risen to 59, with detectives still needing to dig up more than 50 graves. The number of those who are alive and still missing remains unknown.
