Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, wife to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua Thursday termed controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie as a criminal and not a pastor.
Speaking in Nairobi during a feeding programme for widows, Dorcas said the country is governed by the law and criminals and terrorists should be dealt with in accordance with the constitution.
“If Paul Mackenzie is a criminal, he should be treated as an individual. Even his family should not be part of his crime. Paul Mackenzie is not the church, in fact, he has said he is not a pastor but he is Mr. Paul, ” she said.
Dorcas further cautioned against the generalization of the church or religious organizations when a rogue leader violates the law saying that individuals should bear their responsibilities regardless of their position in society.
She said the law should be applied and if found guilty he (Mackenzie) should be put behind bars.
“We have a law where when somebody is a criminal the procedure should be followed, but we cannot stand there and say because one Christian has been caught in a compromising situation the whole body of Christ should be condemned. A criminal is a criminal, a terrorist is a terrorist, a murderer is a murderer. Let them be taken through the law and be prosecuted if they are guilty, let them be put behind bars. “she said.
More than 100 bodies have been recovered from the forest where Mackenzie operated.
34 other people were rescued from starving to death while 22 have been arrested over the cult in operation in the area.
His mentor pastor Ezekiel Odero was Thursday arrested ahead of planned arraignment over deaths in his church in Mavueni, Kilifi.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Thursday said Ezekiel, the head of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church will face criminal charges related to the mass killing of his followers.
Ezekiel was arrested on Thursday morning over suspected deaths at his church as police widen an investigation over allegations of the deaths that have been occurring at his premises.
Kindiki notified the public of the pastor’s arrest saying; “It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers.”
“The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements.”
