Authorities in Kilifi County have apprehended a controversial pastor associated with the New Foundation Church in Chakama, Magarini Constituency, following a series of suspicious deaths among his congregation.
The suspect, Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi, is accused of leading bizarre spiritual rituals centered around a symbolic “Tree of Life.” According to reports, Gandi instructs his followers to climb the tree, claiming the act will help them receive divine intervention and solutions to life’s challenges.
However, an ongoing police investigation has linked several unexplained deaths to the ritual, raising concerns about the safety and legitimacy of the practices conducted at the secluded church, which is situated deep within the Chakama forest.
Pastor Gandi, currently detained at Malindi Police Station, has denied any involvement in the alleged deaths. He maintains that the rituals are spiritually guided and meant to expel evil spirits from those who participate.
“These are false accusations. I am simply doing God’s work. That tree is sacred—the Tree of Life. People who come here are spiritually afflicted. Climbing the tree sets them free. I urge the authorities to investigate thoroughly. The truth will prevail,” Gandi told the press.
Did you read this?
Investigators also discovered that Gandi runs the ministry without a Bible and operates in isolation, far from mainstream religious practices. This revelation led Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya to shut down the church immediately.
“We were alarmed to learn that the pastor doesn’t even use the Bible. He places total faith in the so-called Tree of Life. His followers appear to be heavily influenced and believe the ritual frees them from evil spirits. The church has now been closed, and the pastor is in custody as investigations continue,” stated Commissioner Mutisya.
-1738255797.jpeg)
