Police have arrested Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi of the New Foundation Church located in Chakama, Magarini Constituency, Kilifi County.
His arrest comes after multiple members of his church reportedly died during a strange ritual where he instructed them to climb a tree as part of a spiritual exercise.
Samuel Mutisya, the Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner, confirmed the incident and revealed shocking details about the pastor’s unorthodox practices.
According to Mutisya, the pastor asked his followers to climb what he referred to as the “Tree of Life” in search of healing and spiritual freedom.
“During interrogation, we were surprised to learn that the pastor does not use the Bible in his ministry. Instead, he puts his faith in the Tree of Life.
His followers, many of whom are believed to be spiritually troubled, are convinced that by climbing the tree, they will be healed,” Mutisya stated.
Pastor Gandi explained his beliefs by saying that when someone climbs the tree and then comes down, it symbolizes being spiritually cleansed and freed from life’s burdens such as sickness, poverty, and other challenges.
However, locals raised concerns after several people reportedly died after participating in this ritual, leading to the authorities stepping in. The county administration has since ordered the church to be shut down immediately.
The pastor is currently in custody at the Malindi Police Station. He has denied any involvement in the deaths, maintaining that he was simply following God’s direction. “These claims are not true. I have not killed anyone.
I only do what God instructs me to do. That tree is the Tree of Life, and those who come to climb it are under spiritual attack,” Gandi said in his defense.
He also mentioned an incident where a member of the church died, but insisted that he was not present when it happened.
“There was a person who came, spent the night, and unfortunately died the following day before I even got there.
I was still in Malindi at the time. I have never prayed for anyone and watched them die on the spot,” the pastor explained.
This disturbing case brings back memories of a similar situation in Rongo, Migori County. On April 21, police officers rescued 57 people who were found locked inside a church building belonging to the St. Joseph Mission of Africa Church in Kochola Village.
According to a report from Kamagambo Police Station, Rongo Sub-County’s security and intelligence team made a grim discovery on April 20.
Inside the prayer room of the church, they found the body of one individual lying lifeless, wrapped in a white robe and grey sheet.
The body showed visible signs of injury on the face, and foam was seen coming out of the mouth. Later that day, another body was discovered within the same church compound.
Both incidents have raised serious concerns about dangerous religious practices and have prompted investigations into the safety and legality of such spiritual rituals across Kenya.
Authorities are now urging communities to remain alert and report any suspicious religious activities that may put people’s lives at risk.
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