Kenya Gov't Deregisters Mackenzie, Pastor Ezekiel's Churches

The government has cancelled the registration of five churches including the Goodnews International Ministries led by cult leader Paul Mackenzie and the Newlife Prayer Centre run by millionaire Pastor Ezekiel Odero. 

Bishop Thomas Wahome's Helicopter Christ Church as well as Theophilus Church and Kings Outreach Church in Nairobi have also been stripped of their registration status. On August 18, the Registrar of Societies served notice of cancellation that had been in place since May 19, 2023. Mackenzie has been accused of forcing his followers to fast to death, resulting in the discovery of hundreds of bodies in a sprawling piece of land in Shakahola, Kilifi County, linked to the head of the congregation, Mackenzie.

The founder of the Helicopter church has been accused of land grabbing in Lang’ata Constituency and constructing houses on riparian land belonging to Nairobi Dam, leading to the cancellation of the church's Temporary Occupation License in 2016. The Societies Act allows for the cancellation of a society's registration if it is deemed likely to pursue unlawful or prejudicial purposes. 

Recently, the Communications Authority suspended TV stations owned by Pastor Ezekiel and Mackenzie for airing inappropriate exorcism content during the watershed period. While Pastor Ezekiel's station was later reopened by court order, the Royal Park Home Owners Estate Association Langata had its registration cancelled by the Registrar on June 19.

Meanwhile, Pastor Ezekiel Odero is filing an appeal against the Registrar of Societies' decision to dissolve his New Life Church. Odero, represented by Lawyer Danstan Omari, claims that he did not receive any notice before the cancellation occurred. He argues that the Registrar's action shows ill intent, particularly since he already has plans for an upcoming conference. The conference, called 'Meza ya Bwana,' will last for two weeks and is predicted to attract over 100,000 attendees per day.