Pastor Mackenzie's influence is deep and hard to overcome- followers

Dust clouds rose into the sky as we drove about 70 kilometres from the tourist haven, Malindi, to Shakahola village. The landscape seemed intensely dry. Goats and sheep scratched at the remaining roots and tufts of star grass. This is the place controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church considers his hallowed grounds.

Mackenzie is the pastor of the Malindi church where four followers died of starvation. About 11 other members were rescued after a police raid. It was reported that the church members were fasting and praying to go to heaven.