7 Malindi victims of cultic starvation discharged, handed to DCI

Seven followers of Malindi controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church who were admitted at Malindi Sub County Hospital have been discharged after their condition stabilized.

Malindi Sub County Hospital Administrator Said Ali said they received 9 patients who were still alive and four bodies that are still at the hospital mortuary.

In a telephone interview, he said three were discharged on Thursday while four were discharged on Friday.

He said all seven were handed over to the DCI officers in Malindi who is also holding the controversial preacher after he surrendered on Friday afternoon.

“Two patients are still in our custody, their condition is improving. These people are not sick they are dehydrated we cannot give them solid foods,’ he said.

The administrator said upon arrival at the hospital the victims were given IV (Water), after which they were given light porridge until when they completely stabilised when they are introduced to solid food.

Ali said those still admitted but in stable condition include a woman and a man.

“We expected to receive more victims yesterday (Friday) but we did communicate with the Kenya Red Cross Society who proposed that we monitor tents at Baolala or Kakuyuni health centre so as to handle them as such people are not sick. It is only that they are dehydrated,” he said.

Earlier, Police reports had indicated that they had rescued 11 and four had died so it's not clear where the two others were.

Malindi sub-county Criminal investigation Officer Charles Kamau confirmed that the controversial pastor had surrendered.

He had told journalists that the victims who were rescued will be charged with attempting to commit suicide.

He said the preacher teaches his followers against education and other earthly systems.

On Friday, detectives together with a contingent of joint security personnel conducted an operation in Shakahola where it is believed there is a mass shallow Grave with over 31 people who also reportedly starved to death. 

Malindi Sub County security committee held an urgent security meeting at the DCCs office to deliberate on the issues surrounding the deaths and the preacher's cultic teachings. 

The meeting chaired by Assistant County Commissioner 1 Angela Wanyama resolved to visit the area where it is believed hundreds of MacKenzi's followers are starving to death so as to go to heaven. 

The Committee also wants to know if the reports of the mass graves were authentic.