The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that a Kilifi-based pastor was arrested for teaching his followers not to seek medication in hospitals and engaging in other controversial activities.
According to police, the pastor was indoctrinating his followers, hence his arrest on Friday, April 25.
DCI added that the pastor would encourage his sick congregants at the New Foundation Church located at Chakama location, to climb trees to receive healing.
Additionally, he would administer healing water to the sick.
"It was established that the pastor also used to administer water known as 'maji ya uzima' believed to have healing effects, and that was fetched from his well with a litre retailing at Ksh200," read the statement in part.
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"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."
The pastor is currently being investigated for radicalisation, even as police called on Kenyans to be cautious of suspicious religious activities.
"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," read the statement in part.
"Meanwhile, the investigations team was granted ten days to conclude their work, with mention of the case set for May 5, 2025."
The arrest of the Kilifi pastor comes amid recent concerns about cults in the country. This also followed the closure of St Joseph Missions of Africa Church in Rongo, where police rescued 57 people and discovered 2 bodies.
