In a gazette notice issued on Wednesday, January 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Affairs and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki, officially declared Good News International Ministry Church as an organized criminal group under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act number 6 of 2010.
The church now joins other listed groups like Gaza, Wakali Wao, Al-Shabaab, and the Chinkororo.
Allegations and Declaration
This designation was made under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act number 6 of 2010, placing the church alongside other listed groups like Gaza, Wakali Wao, Al-Shabaab, and the Chinkororo.
“In exercise of Powers conferred by Section 22(1) of the Prevention of Organized Crime Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Internal Affairs and National Administration declares Good News International Ministry church as an organized criminal group for the purpose of the Act,” read the notice.
Pastor Mackenzie’s Legal Troubles
Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the church founder, has faced charges of murder, terrorism, and child neglect, particularly in connection with the discovery of over 400 bodies in Shakahola forest in Malindi, Kilifi County.
Arrest and Initial Denial
On April 2023, the controversial pastor, founder of the said church, was arrested following more than 400 bodies, some of which were alleged to have starved to death.
Even though Mackenzie denied the charge he was on January 16, he was charged with murder and terrorism following more than 400 bodies found in the graves in Shakahola forest in Malindi, Kilifi County.
IAN BYRON