Kilifi in Shock: Police Raid Church After Unexplained Deaths, Arrest Preacher Over Radical Teachings
In a dramatic raid in Chakama, Malindi sub-county, police shut down the New Foundation Church after disturbing reports.
Led by self-styled preacher Abel Kahindi Gandi, the church raised alarms following several mysterious deaths linked to its activities.
Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya Muinde explained the gravity of the situation:
“We’ve come here because of rumours to the effect that in the pastor’s ministry, some faithful have lost their lives while being prayed for. Because people have lost lives and he is the central figure, the matter must be thoroughly investigated,” Muinde told journalists outside the church grounds.
Chilling Rituals Under the “Tree of Life”
Kahindi, now in custody, convinced followers to climb a massive tree he named the “Tree of Life.”
“Those who come here are possessed by demons, but when they arrive and climb the tree, the demons leave them. That’s why I now call it the Tree of Life,” he insisted.
However, police painted a darker picture. One woman allegedly died during a night vigil. Others perished shortly after attending prayer sessions.
Additionally, Kahindi sold “holy water,” described as “water of life,” at KSh 100 for three jerrycans.
“What’s shocking is that he doesn’t have a Bible; he’s the first pastor we’ve seen who doesn’t carry one. And when asked about it during questioning, he said he believes strongly in giving out ‘living water,’ which he sells at KSh 100 for three jerrycans,” Muinde added.
Suspicious Practices Raise Alarm
Beyond the sales of holy water, Kahindi’s practices further alarmed investigators. He reportedly does not baptise his followers, does not perform burials, and could not provide proof of formal theological training.
Authorities said the New Foundation Church, built in 2023, quickly attracted vulnerable villagers seeking hope. Tragically, it appears they found something far more sinister instead.
Government Vows to Prevent Another Shakahola
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the urgency:
“The situation would have been worse if we did not have our security agencies acting on the intelligence that is provided. But of course, for cases like the one including Rongo and as we’ve said before, we do not want to have a situation where there is massive destruction of life and loss of life like the case of Shakahola.”
Currently, Kahindi remains detained at Malindi Police Station. He denied most accusations, claiming only one death occurred — and while he was absent. He also insisted he normally uses a Bible but left it behind due to the urgency of his summons.
ALSO READ: Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Stunned as Bishop Ole Sapit Blocks Them from Speaking in Church
Kilifi in Shock: Police Raid Church After Unexplained Deaths, Arrest Preacher Over Radical Teachings
