Is there more to Makenzi's gospel?

Paul Mackenzie and his wife, Rhoda Maweu at the Shanzu Law Courts on May 10, 2023. [Robert Menza, Standard]

Growing up most of the religious teachings that we were taught revolved around obedience and having faith in the unseen.

Some of us still hold onto those teachings like respecting the Sabbath day and having faith that the higher being will provide when in need.

This makes it easy for rogue preachers to spread fake gospel as the foundation was well set.

The past few months Kenyans and the world at large witnessed hundreds starving themselves to see Jesus.

Despite conversations and sensitization being done around the matter, efforts to resist help by those being rescued raise concern.

Already, 241 bodies have been found buried at the Chakarama Ranch and there is a huge possibility of having more as the government is still in the process of exhuming.

Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki who appeared before Senate on Friday, May 26, narrates how Makenzi was able to effectively starve and bury the 241 with so much ease.

"Paul Makenzi had recruited scouts and bouncers who would guard families and individuals who fasted," said Kindiki.

"If one showed any signs of resistance or would take long to die, then they were asked to kill them. This is why some victims had blunt injuries on their head and others strangled."

"Another group of scouts were living and eating at the graveyard. Their job was to dig graves in advance and bury the dead," he added.

So far, 39 people including Makenzi's wife have been arrested as suspects who took part in the Shakahola Massacre.

On the other hand, 91 people have been rescued and others are changing their hideouts to avoid being rescued.

The government is now prioritizing search and rescue and has extended its search to the neighboring places including Tsavo East National Park.

However, even with such positive efforts by the government, the majority of those rescued prefer to continue with their fast and see Jesus faster.

A few weeks ago, an elderly woman was rescued from the forest and became hostile to the rescuers who were ferrying her to the hospital.

Another one died in hospital after refusing to eat while others begged to be taken home and continue with their fast.

The big question now is, is there more to Makenzi's gospel than what we already know?