Ruto declares Pastor Paul Mackenzie a terrorist in Shakahola Massacre
President William Ruto demanded the prosecution of Pastor Paul Mackenzie. For the deaths of several of his followers whose bodies were discovered buried in the Kilifi forest of Shakahola.
On Monday, April 24, while addressing the Prison Officers Pass Out Parade, the Head of State compared the pastor to a terrorist. For ordering Kenyans to engage in activities that violate the Constitution.
Ruto also condemned religious groups that forbade Kenyans from going to the hospital when they were ill or prevented children from attending school.
“Be on the lookout for those who wish to abuse even the religious sector by posing as religious people, even though their actions are contrary to the teachings and beliefs of the religion, be it Christianity, Islam, or any other religion.
“What we’re witnessing in Kilifi, Shakahola, resembles terrorism. There is no distinction between Mr. Mackenzie, who poses and pretends to be a pastor but is a heinous crime. Terrorists utilize religion to promote their heinous acts. People like Mr. Mackenzie are employing religion in the same manner,” he said.
Thus, the President ordered security agencies, including the DCI, to thoroughly investigate pastors who commit heinous crimes using their religious authority.
“I want to say that I have instructed the responsible agencies to investigate the matter and get to the bottom of the people who want to use religion to promote a bizarre, unacceptable ideology in the Republic of Kenya,” he added.
In addition, he demanded that such religious institutions be shut down, arguing that they work against the people’s best interests.
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“These religious institutions must be shut down. Because they work against the best interests of the Kenyan people as a whole. The perpetrators should be held accountable.
Ruto added, “Persons like Mackenzie and all other terrorists and criminals do not belong to any religion. They belong in prison, and that is where they should be.”
Ruto’s comments followed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki’s deployment of police to the village on Sunday, April 23, to seal off the mass graves’ forest.
Before his April 24 visit, he said a multi-agency security team was investigating fasting-related deaths.
The 800-acre forest has been cordoned off as a crime scene by enough security officers.
“I’ve instructed the Regional Commissioner for the Coast Region and the Regional Security Team to bolster the Malindi team before my visit on April 25,” he said.
Paul Mackenzie is in police custody for forcing his church members to fast.
The number of bodies exhumed from Shakahola village increased by 18 on Sunday, April 23, to 39.
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