Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich has offered a piece of advice to Kenyans amid chilling revelations about the Shakahola forest cult.
Bishop Kimengich says with the rising number of churches that are mushrooming by the day, there is a need for citizens to keenly scrutinize them before deciding to follow their teachings.
In an interview with Uasin Gishu News, the Catholic clergy admits that most of the recently established churches and ministries are only interested in money making and not spreading the gospel.
He says it is the duty of an individual to make a decision based on their understanding of biblical teachings and avoid falling into the trap of false and harmful teachings.
“We need to measure where we are going and what teachings the church we go to subscribe to. Churches have nowadays become businesses – people are opening them not for the word of God but to make money,” Bishop Kimengich said.
“As an individual look at the church that you go to and ask yourself – does it teach as per the Bible? Is it leading you to salvation,” he added.
The advice from the clergy comes at a time police are combing through Shakahola forest where it is believed tens of members of the cult led by controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church were convinced to starve themselves to death.
Mass graves
So far over 70 bodies have been discovered buried within the forest in shallow graves.
Over 30 who were fasting – on orders of the Pastor have since been rescued.
Bishop Kimengich termed the unfolding events in the area located within Malindi, Kilifi County as sad.
He says there are no God’s teachings that ask members to suffer to their death in the name of preparing to meet Jesus.
“God’s teaching brings life and happiness to the families not deaths as we are seeing in Malindi,” said the Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop.
The government has since declared the 800-acre forest a disturbed area and the search and rescue mission is still ongoing.
President William Ruto commenting on the incident likened the actions of the pastor to terrorism.
Further, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji on Tuesday said the pastor who is in police custody will be charged with terrorism-related crimes.
