The story of Pastor Paul Mackenzie in Kilifi has brought to the fore several critical issues about spirituality.

The Pastor of Good News International Church brought nothing but bad news as he led his faithfuls to their graves in an apparent pursuit of spiritual purity. Mackenzie is accused of manipulating his followers to believe that they could see Jesus if they participated in extreme fasting. The consequence is that several succumbed to pangs of hunger and dehydration, while many became frail and emaciated.

This is a sad and most unfortunate story about yet another incident of abuse of a noble faith practice. It is a case of a cultic leader taking advantage of perhaps desperate individuals. It is most likely the consequence of religious extremism that demands extraordinary measures to experience God's favour.