Recent news reports have brought to light controversial and potentially dangerous practices within two different religious organizations in Kenya. Good News International (GNI) Ministries, associated with Paul Mackenzie, has been found to restrict membership to adults over the age of 18, leading to concerns about how children were involved in significant theological practices such as fasting.
In connection with the deaths of two children who were reportedly forced to starve, Mackenzie has been detained. The Newlife Prayer Centre and Church, affiliated with Pastor Ezekiel Ombok Odero, has also been under scrutiny, as its lavish displays of wealth and cozy relationships with political elites raise questions about its non- profit and non- political status. The Senate Ad hoc Committee, sponsored by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, is investigating the rise of religious organizations that have contributed to the establishment of what the committee' s chairman has termed as " dark doctrines" in the nation.
The committee has obtained copies of the constitutions for both GNI Ministries and the Newlife Prayer Centre and Church, revealing clauses regarding membership and excommunication. In GNI Ministries, membership is open to anyone above the age of 18 and subject to approval by the executive committee. Members may be expelled if their behavior has adversely affected the reputation or dignity of the society or if they break the rules set out in the constitution. In the Newlife Prayer Centre and Church, records show that Pastor Ezekiel automatically holds the position of chairman, with others listed as company owners.
In both cases, concerns have been raised about potentially dangerous practices, such as forcing children to fast. In the case of GNI Ministries, Mackenzie' s detention in connection with the deaths of two children has highlighted the need for stricter regulations regarding religious practices involving minors. The Newlife Prayer Centre and Church' s non- profit and non- political status has also come into question, given its lavish displays of wealth and cozy relationships with political elites.
The Senate Ad hoc Committee is currently reviewing documents that reveal a coup d' état attempt was made against the church' s office bearers in May of 2022, with plans to rebrand the organization as the City of Deliverance Church. These cases highlight the need for stricter regulations and oversight regarding religious organizations and their practices. The potential for harm, especially to vulnerable populations such as minors, must be taken seriously. The Senate Ad hoc Committee' s investigation is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the safety and well- being of all members of these organizations and preventing the establishment of " dark doctrines" in the nation.
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