Malindi authorities rescue children from home of Paul Mackenzie’s mother

Authorities in Malindi, Kilifi County, have rescued several children from the home of Anastacia Mumwele, the mother of incarcerated preacher Paul Mackenzie. The rescue operation, conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), targeted the Furunzi village homestead following reports that children were being subjected to enforced fasting and denied education.

Reports indicate that the rescued children, aged between six and 16, were not enrolled in school, reportedly because their father, Paul Mackenzie, had not obtained birth certificates for them. While some reports suggest the children appeared well-nourished, others noted they were being subjected to fasting and teachings associated with Mackenzie’s doomsday beliefs. Dan Mackenzie, the preacher’s son, stated that the children were following practices similar to those linked to the Shakahola mass deaths.

Ms. Mumwele was arrested and faces potential charges related to child cruelty, torture, and denying children the right to education. The children have been placed under the care of child protection units and rescue homes while authorities facilitate the acquisition of necessary documentation and school enrollment.