Kenya bans churches linked to cult deaths

Kenyan authorities have banned five churches including that of a suspected cult leader accused of inciting more than 400 of his followers to starve themselves to death, a government document said Friday.

The registrar of societies said in a gazette notice that the licence of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie's Good News International Ministries was cancelled effective May 19.

Mackenzie is alleged to have incited his followers to starve to death in order to "meet Jesus" in a case that has deeply shocked Kenyans.


Authorities also banned four other churches including the New Life Prayer Centre and Church headed by flamboyant televangelist Ezekiel Odero. Odero is under investigation on a raft of charges including murder, aiding suicide, radicalisation and money laundering.