A multi-agency team has on Friday arrested a Kilifi based based pastor based at Chakama for the offence of radicalization.
The pastor at New Foundation Church has been accused of discouraging his followers from going to the hospital but instead hold a tree located at the church compound and would instead get their healing.
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Also discovered is a well where he sells ‘maji ya uzima’ for as little as Ksh 200, water that is believed to hold healing power.
“A Kilifi based pastor has today been arraigned on a miscellaneous application for the offence of radicalization contrary to section 12 (d) of Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2012.
His arrest by a Multi-agency team and subsequent arraignment resulted from his activities at New Foundation Church located at Chakama location where he was found to be indoctrinating his followers.
Among other teachings his followers were taught not to attend any hospital when sick but to climb a tree believed to be sacred and located within the church compound for them to receive their healing.
Additionally, it was established that the pastor also used to admnister water known as ‘maji ya uzima’ beleived to have healing effects and that was fetched from his well with a litre retailling at Sh 200.” said DCI
According to the police, they believe that two congregants may have died and two hundred other could face the same fate if the church is left operational.
“Further, it is suspected that two congregants may have died with another two hundred also being at a risk of suffering the same fate if the activities of the said church remained unchecked.
Whereas law enforcement agencies continue to respect freedom of worship, members of the public are cautioned from joining outfits that deviate from sound doctrine hence endangering the lives of their followers and those of their families at large.
Meanwhile, the investigations team was granted ten days to conclude their work with mention of the case set for 5th May, 2025.” said DCI
