Gospel artist Ringtone has caused outrage after expressing his satisfaction with the deaths of individuals who participated in a fast at Shakahola. According to him, the deaths resulted from people giving their lives to Christ and should be celebrated.
Ringtone commended Pastor Mackenzie for encouraging the fast, stating that he helped take people’s faith to a higher level. He argued that those who died would see heaven and should not be mourned. In an interview with Nicholas Kioko, Ringtone defended Mackenzie against criticism and claimed he was unfairly blamed for the deaths.
Despite acknowledging that he would not fast to the point of death, Ringtone asserted that the Shakahola victims had shown great faith and commitment to God. He characterized religion as brainwashing and claimed that those criticizing Mackenzie did so out of love for wealth and material possessions.
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The comments sparked an immediate backlash, with many people expressing shock and disgust. Social media users called for Ringtone to apologize, criticizing his insensitivity towards the victims’ families. The Kenyan government condemned the comments and called for an investigation into the deaths.
Mackenzie had organized the fast at Shakahola and involved over 100 people. At least 90 bodies have been exhumed from mass graves in the 800-acre land in Malindi, with the deaths likely to surpass 100 people. Security chiefs have been exposed for failing to prevent the deaths and have faced widespread criticism.
Religious leaders and human rights groups have condemned the deaths, calling for greater accountability and oversight of religious practices. Many have criticized the lack of regulation of religious leaders and the danger that unscrupulous individuals can pose to their followers.
