• About
  • Contact
Thursday, September 4, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Now Then Digital
33 °c
Phoenix
34 ° Sun
33 ° Mon
32 ° Tue
33 ° Wed
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • TECH
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • TIPS & ADVICE
  • HOME
  • NEWS
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • TECH
  • ENTERTAINMENT
  • LIFESTYLE
  • TIPS & ADVICE
No Result
View All Result
Now Then Digital
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT
Home News Kenya

President William Ruto Likens Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie to a Terrorist

Ruto expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that "What we are seeing in Kilifi, in Shakahola, is akin to terrorists.

Wafula Steven by Wafula Steven
April 24, 2023
in Kenya, News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
1 0
A A
0
ruto pastor paul mackenzie

Ruto expressed his concern over the more than 40 exhumed bodies found in Kilifi's Shakahola forest.

0
SHARES
163
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Kenya’s President William Ruto has likened controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church to a terrorist who uses religion to advance what he described as “weird and unacceptable ideologies”.

KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Kenyan President William Ruto has drawn comparisons between controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church and a terrorist. Ruto accuses Mackenzie of using religion to advance “weird and unacceptable ideologies” and radicalizing thousands, some of whom starved to death.

president william ruto pastor paul mackenzie
Ruto called on Kenyans and different agencies in the country to be on the lookout for those who want to abuse the religious sector and those masquerading as religious persons.

Ruto expressed concern over the recent discovery of more than 40 bodies in Kilifi’s Shakahola forest with many more believed to be buried there.

“Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mackenzie are using religion to do the same thing,” said Ruto.

Terrorism and religion

Speaking at the Kenya Prisons Service cadets pass-out parade, Ruto called on Kenyans to be alert to religious groups and those pretending to be religious people. He argues that terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts and people like Mackenzie are using religion to do the same thing.

Ruto stated that he had instructed the responsible agencies to investigate the matter and get to the root cause of people who want to use religion to mislead Kenyans.

Investigations launched

A full-scale investigation has been launched into the Good News International Church and its leader since police discovered the first bodies in Shakahola forest.

Over the weekend, dozens more corpses were unearthed, and an 800-acre (325-hectare) area of woodland declared a crime scene as authorities seek to understand the true scale of the so-called “Shakahola Forest Massacre”.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome was expected to visit the site on Monday, where teams clad in overalls have been scouring for more burial pits and possible cult survivors.

ADVERTISEMENT

Survivors and rescue efforts

There are fears that some cult members could be hiding from authorities in the surrounding bushland and at risk of death if not quickly found. A number of people have already been rescued and taken to hospital in Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast.

However, a rights group that tipped off police about the movement and its extreme practices said at least one of those rescued had refused to eat despite being in clear physical distress.

The Kenya Red Cross said 112 people had been reported missing to its support staff at Malindi.

Cult leader charged

william ruto pastor paul mackenzie
Investigation launched into Good News International Church

The cult leader, Mackenzie Nthenge, turned himself in to police and was charged last month after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents. He has since been released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings.

Youmight also like

Zari shuts down paternity rumours after Diamond’s remarks.

‘They’re his’ – Zari Hassan on children with Diamond Platnumz

August 13, 2025
Bushenyi remembers ‘remarkable daughter’ Mary Karooro Okurut.

Mary Karooro Okurut: Uganda mourns former minister and author

August 13, 2025
South African exports face delays as Maersk reroutes US-bound cargo.

Maersk cuts direct US shipping route, deepening South Africa’s trade woes

August 6, 2025
African Women in Business unveils Association to Boost Intra‑African Trade.

CONWOBAA Launches to Boost Intra-African Trade

July 29, 2025

The case has gripped national attention, and the government has flagged the need for tighter control of religious denominations in a country where rogue pastors and fringe movements have been involved in crime.

Regulating religion

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, who has announced he would visit the site on Tuesday, described the case as “the clearest abuse of the constitutionally enshrined human right to freedom of worship”.

Attempts to regulate religion in the majority-Christian country have been fiercely opposed in the past as attempts to undermine constitutional guarantees for a division between church and state.

Ruto believes that any religious institution that teaches against seeking medical attention or going to school should be closed down because they are working against the collective interest of the people of Kenya.

The President concluded that “people like Mackenzie and all other terrorists and criminals do not belong to any religion; they belong to jail, and that is where they should be.”

“Religious institutions that teach against seeking medical attention or going to school, those responsible should be prosecuted and those religious institutions should be closed down because they are working against the collective interest of the people of Kenya,” said Ruto.

Editor’s Note: We would appreciate it if you could reach out to press@nowthendigital.com if you find any outdated or inaccurate content.

Source: Now Then Digital
ADVERTISEMENT
Wafula Steven

Wafula Steven

Am Wafula Steven, a seasonal writer for Now Then Digital, as well as a teacher, digital marketer, public relations specialist, and blogger known as 'Doc Stevens'.

Recommended For You

Zari shuts down paternity rumours after Diamond’s remarks.
Entertainment

‘They’re his’ – Zari Hassan on children with Diamond Platnumz

by Kisitu Peter
August 13, 2025
Bushenyi remembers ‘remarkable daughter’ Mary Karooro Okurut.
News

Mary Karooro Okurut: Uganda mourns former minister and author

by Wafula Steven
August 13, 2025
South African exports face delays as Maersk reroutes US-bound cargo.
Business

Maersk cuts direct US shipping route, deepening South Africa’s trade woes

by Now Then Digital
August 6, 2025
African Women in Business unveils Association to Boost Intra‑African Trade.
Business

CONWOBAA Launches to Boost Intra-African Trade

by Now Then Digital
July 29, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Articles

nowthendigital.com__Can Stress Cause Nosebleeds

Stress Nose Bleeds: What They Are, How To Treat Them And When To See A Doctor

3 years ago
Professor Ntate Daniel Kgwadi has died

Vaal University of Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Ntate Daniel Kgwadi Dies After Illness

2 years ago
Henry

Henry Kyemba, Author of Idi Amin Exposé, Passes Away at 84

2 years ago

Popular News

  • Zari shuts down paternity rumours after Diamond’s remarks.

    ‘They’re his’ – Zari Hassan on children with Diamond Platnumz

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Angélique Kidjo is to be honoured with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star — a first for an African artist

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • CONWOBAA Launches to Boost Intra-African Trade

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Appointed Uganda’s New Chief of Defence Forces

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Tony Dow: The Iconic Actor of ‘Leave It to Beaver’ Fame

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Connect With Us

Join our Newsletter

Who We Are

Now Then Digital | Breaking News from Uganda & Africa

Latest headlines from Uganda, Africa & the world. Explore politics, entertainment, sports, finance & more on Now Then Digital.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Now On Pinterest

Ayra Starr goes diamond in France

Nigerian Singer Ayra Starr's 'Rush' Earns Diamond Certification in France

cropped-nowthendigital.com_Leading-Vibe-Radio-with-Tems-on-Apple-Music-1-1.webp

Singer Tems Joins Apple Music 1, Wizkid Releases ‘True Love'

Housing Minister Dangiwa named Chairman of Shelter Afrique AGM Bureau

Nigeria's Housing Minister Assumes Chairmanship of Shelter Afrique AGM Bureau

From Our Partners

  • Editorial Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Corrections Policy
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • DMCA Policy

© 2025 Now Then Digital - Breaking News from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Tech
  • Health
  • Food

© 2025 Now Then Digital - Breaking News from Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria & South Africa.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.