By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) — In the quiet, unsuspecting corners of Kilifi County, a startling revelation has unearthed the hidden world of a starvation cult.
The Good News International Ministries (GNIM), better known as the Malindi cult, has emerged as a troubling case, shedding light on the existence of similar groups operating in Kenya.
Founded in 2003 by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his first wife, the cult stands accused of manipulating and exploiting members to starve themselves, leading to the loss of more than 200 lives.
Anadolu delved deeper into the inner workings of the cult and spoke with former members to glean the experiences of those who managed to escape its grasp.
Amina Saidi shared harrowing details of the GNIM's indoctrination tactics and psychological manipulation.
"They preyed on our vulnerabilities, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. I love Jesus and would do anything for my religion which is Christianity," she said.
"I would do anything for Jesus, that was how many of us were roped in ... but gradually, they stripped away our autonomy."
"Looking back, I deeply regret my involvement with the cult. Their manipulation and the harm they caused to individuals and families is something I can no longer support," she said.
- Extreme fasting
Another member named Hassan Juma said the church's methods pushed people to physical that over time proved harmful.
"I first learned about the starvation cult through a friend who claimed to have found enlightenment and a direct path to meeting Jesus."
"The church emphasized the purification of the body and spirit through extreme fasting and self-denial. They claimed that by depriving ourselves of worldly needs, we could achieve a higher level of consciousness and ultimately meet Jesus, which is something I was okay with," said Juma.
He said, however, that as time went on, he began to question the toll it was taking on his physical and mental well-being.
Extreme fasting and deprivation began to raise concerns.
"Initially, I believed whole-heartedly in the teachings of the church and its promised rewards — meeting Jesus. While the initial allure of meeting Jesus was enticing, the harm it caused to individuals' health and relationships became evident," he said.
Devoted follower and mother, Sarah Amani, sacrificed her health for the Malindi cult.
Despite her emaciated appearance, she tirelessly cared for her children, ensuring they had what little nourishment was available.
Her weakened body, ravaged by starvation, pushed forward with an unwavering determination to fulfill her role as a mother and remained faithful to the cult's beliefs
- Most desperate, most vulnerable
According to experts in cult psychology, the most desperate people are also the most vulnerable to the methods that such groups employ.
"Many people get drawn into the world of cults, particularly those who are experiencing desperation in their lives," said Lucy Njiru, a psychologist and lecturer at Amref International University (AMIU).
Nijru told Anadolu that such people "often face overwhelming life events and are likely to be dealing with high levels of stress."
"As a result, they may become susceptible to depression, seeking solace and hope in religion. Unfortunately, due to the manipulative tactics employed by cult leaders, their strong religious beliefs become distorted, leading them deeper into the clutches of the cult," she said.
"Cults tend to target individuals who are vulnerable and desperately seeking a way out of their challenging circumstances. They exploit their emotional vulnerabilities, offering a sense of purpose and belonging.
"These individuals are often seeking a coping mechanism for their struggles, and the cult provides them with what appears to be a supportive community and the promise of overcoming their hardships."
Njiru also highlighted the potency of brainwashing techniques used by cults, saying these tactics were employed by cult leaders to "manipulate the beliefs and behaviors of their followers.
"These techniques make it incredibly difficult for individuals to think critically or question the teachings of the cult. The sense of belonging and acceptance within the cult becomes deeply ingrained, creating significant barriers for individuals to break free," she said.
- Education crucial
Emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting education on cult dynamics, she said it was also crucial to provide support to individuals who may be at risk.
"By educating people about the warning signs of cult involvement and fostering critical thinking skills, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions and protect themselves against manipulation," she said.
Once a person breaks free, however, they may be in for a "long and challenging road to recovery."
According to Nijru, such individuals may need a comprehensive approach involving therapy, support groups, and rebuilding their sense of self.
By understanding the psychological intricacies involved, Njiru believes progress can be made on addressing the threat of dangerous cults preventing individuals from falling prey to their influence.
The journey to combat the influence of cults in Kenya begins with education, awareness, and support for those who have been caught in their grasp, she said.