Little known Kilifi preacher Mackenzie not new to controversy

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie has had run-ins with authorities and politicians at the Coast ever since his church was formed.

In December 2018, he locked horns with then Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, now the Public Service and Gender Cabinet Secretary, over the activities of the church.

Jumwa claimed then that the church, Good News International was preaching satanic teachings  to his followers.

She even threatened to storm the church following claims of radicalization of children which had led to those in school skip classes after they were ‘brainwashed’ to believe that education was ‘satanic’.

Jumwa is said to have accused Mackenzie of giving bribes to security agencies to prevent the church from being closed down.

Scot-free

“It is absurd that despite having been arrested about three times and charged, the pastor is still scot-free and continues with his work of radicalising school children,” said Jumwa at a past address.

But in defence, Mackenzie warned Jumwa against her plot, vowing to take action against her and other politicians opposed to his religious activities.

“If anyone feels offended about my summons and teachings in accordance to the scripture, let them go to court and produce evidence, I am not afraid to serve my God,” he said during a church service.

Jumwa had threatened to make her move after a video started making rounds online showing children aged between 6 to 17 years renouncing education which led to public outcry.

During investigations, some of the children interrogated claimed that education is satanic and said they had left their homes and schools to follow the pastor.

The pastor’s followers, who include primary, secondary school and university students, defended their decision to drop out of school, quoting Bible verses.

In October 2018, angry residents at Bungale in Magarini, Kilifi county demolished one of Pastor Makenzie’s churches on claims of indoctrinating locals with false Christian teachings.

Locals also razed down the home of a Pastor who worked for Pastor Makenzi at Good News International church at Majengo ya Wakala village in Bungale for allegedly promoting extremism.