Malindi Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Harrison Matevwa has called on residents to work closely with local administrators and security officers to rid the region of unscrupulous preachers.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at the Langobaya Divisional Headquarters, Matevwa noted that the area still harbours wayward religious leaders who must be identified and rehabilitated to safeguard the community.

His remarks came just a day after controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 of his associates were convicted on all 191 murder charges linked to the infamous Shakahola massacre, where Mackenzie’s followers were forced to fast to death.

The tragedy, which unfolded in Shakahola within Langobaya Division, shocked the nation.

The DCC cautioned residents against falling prey to preachers who twist the scriptures for personal gain, urging them to remain vigilant and report such individuals to the authorities for swift action.

He stressed that community cooperation is vital in preventing a repeat of the Shakahola horror and in protecting vulnerable families from exploitation under the guise of religion.

At the same time, Matevwa reiterated the government’s ban on disco matanga, which he said were fuelling the high number of teenage pregnancies in Malindi and across Kilifi County.

He pointed out that recent statistics show Kilifi leads the country in teenage pregnancies at about 28 percent, compared to the national average of 23 percent.

 Matevwa urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously, especially during the long holidays beginning this week and ensure their children do not fall into the hands of wayward individuals.

Bishop James Njehia, chairman of the Malindi Interfaith Committee, called on pastors to register in fellowships for easy identification and accountability to avoid scenarios like those witnessed in Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro.

He also urged Christians to exercise their freedom of worship responsibly by not inconveniencing others during keshas (night vigils).

Jilore Member of County Assembly Hamisi Jambo noted that the Kilifi County Assembly had already passed a law banning disco matanga and urged village elders, chiefs and their assistants to enforce it.

Adu Ward Representative Samson Zia Kahindi descried the invasion of elephants into farms and homesteads in Chakama location, and called on the Kenya Wildlife Service to ensure that the jumbo’s remain in the Tsavo East National Park.

Kilifi Bodaboda Riders Association Chairman Joseph Mwangu decried the practice of juveniles with no driving experience joining the bodaboda industry during holidays, warning that it posed serious risks to road safety.

He urged security officers to work closely with bodaboda riders to rid the county of criminal elements, saying due to the nature of their work, the riders get a lot of information that could be helpful in security matters.

By Emmanuel Masha