A pastor from Chakama in Kilifi County has been arrested following mysterious death of several church members.

48-year-old Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi of the New Foundation Church in Magarini Constituency, according to authorities instructs his followers to climb a tree within the church compound, claiming the climb would expel evil spirits and bring divine solutions.

However, investigations conducted indicated that several ‘faithfuls’ died under unclear circumstances during or after these sessions.

This led to complaints from members of the public who questioned the pastor’s spiritual practices.

According to police, Gandi was nabbed by security officers led by Kilifi North Deputy County Commissioner Samuel Mutisya Muinde and Malindi DCC David Lusava.

The authorities say one woman died during an overnight prayer event, while the pastor was reportedly away.

The pastor has moved to defend the practice insisting that the ritual is divinely inspired.

“That tree is the Tree of Life. When they climb it, evil spirits leave them,” Gandi said calling upon the Government to carry out their investigations on him.

He further refuted claims of cultism, asserting that he uses the Bible.

Despite his defense, security officials have raised several red flags over issues below:

1. The church is deep within Chakama forest.

2. lacks proper registration.

3. Gandi could not provide proof of theological training or affiliations.

4. He admitted he does not baptize followers or observe basic church protocols, such as maintaining a membership register or handling burials.

In response, the Kilifi County Security Committee ordered the immediate closure of the church.

“The situation is suspicious. People have died, and the pastor is the central figure,” said DCC Muinde.

Gandi’s case follows shocking Pastor Mackenzie linked Shakahola case that saw several bodies recovered over an intense fasting period congregants were allegedly subjected to.

Gandi is currently at Malindi Police Station pending further inquiry.