Three Dead in Malindi Church After 'Holy Water' Rituals and 'Tree of Life' Exorcisms

Kenyan authorities have shuttered the New Foundation Church in Chakama, Malindi, following the deaths of three congregants and mounting allegations of cult-like activities. 

The closure comes on the heels of a similar incident in Rongo, where worshippers reportedly died from starvation, intensifying scrutiny of unregulated religious institutions across the region and prompting urgent calls for reform. The pastor of the New Foundation Church, Abel Kahindi Gandi, was apprehended Thursday in a joint operation led by Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya and Malindi Deputy County Commissioner David Lusava. 

The County Security Committee has ordered the church's suspension amid concerns over its unconventional practices and questionable safety protocols. Authorities are now investigating the deaths and examining Mr. Gandi's qualifications to conduct religious activities. Suspicions arose following the death of a female congregant during an overnight prayer session last year, according to Deputy Commissioner Mutisya. Mr. Gandi has been accused of employing dangerous exorcism methods, including instructing those deemed possessed to climb a tree he referred to as the "tree of life." 

Allegations also surfaced regarding the sale of so-called "living water," raising concerns about the exploitation of his followers. Mr. Mutisya notes that Mr. Gandi lacked fundamental religious knowledge, formal burial protocols, and adherence to traditional Christian practices such as baptism or the use of the Bible during services. A subsequent meeting with security officials revealed that Mr. Gandi was unable to provide a registry of his congregation, unlike established religious organisations.

In his defence, Mr. Gandi claims that his teachings were divinely guided and denies direct responsibility for any deaths. He asserts that the "tree of life" was an effective tool for liberation from demonic possession and maintains that he uses a Bible during sermons. Nevertheless, he expresses willingness to cooperate with the investigation, stating that he has "nothing to hide." These events evoke parallels to the tragic events of Shakahola Forest, where over 400 people perished under the influence of cult leader Paul Mackenzie. 

Mackenzie’s followers were reportedly coerced into starving themselves as part of a radical interpretation of faith. These incidents have heightened public concern over the proliferation of unregulated religious entities and their potential to exploit vulnerable populations. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned such practices, calling for immediate government intervention to regulate religious institutions. During the raid on the Chakama church, officers discovered nearly 200 congregants participating in rituals involving "holy water," which was reportedly sold for Sh100 per bottle. 

The Cabinet Secretary describes the findings as an example of exploitation disguised as spirituality. Murkomen has cited Rwanda’s post-genocide regulatory approach as a potential model for Kenya, advocating for stringent vetting and licensing of religious organisations. He stresses the importance of balancing freedom of worship with the need to protect citizens from fraudulent or harmful practices. “We cannot allow rogue preachers to endanger lives under the guise of faith,” Murkomen stated, emphasising the urgent need for oversight.