A Nairobi-based Nigerian pastor is reported to be among individuals questioned by detectives over allegations of aiding the spread of occultism in the country.

The pastor from Winners Chapel is claimed to be among clerics luring vulnerable Kenyans into joining cultism, according to The Standard.

A probe into occult practices is being done by a team of detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) although a multi-agency approach has been recommended.

Detectives pounced on the cult after the brutal killing of Catholic priest Father Michael Maingi Kyengo in Embu on October 9th in a ritual.

Suspects told investigators that the murder of the priest was part of a ritual that was meant to enable the killers to be promoted or recognized in the cult.

DCI boss George Kinoti has warned about rising cases of cultism in the country saying that some people were forced to bring human body parts to be allowed to join cults that promise money and fame.

“Until we proscribe these groups, which remain secrets to us, we have to be proactive for now. Unfortunately, we are now dealing with killings that have happened,” Kinoti stated.

Detectives handling the probe said they have lined up for interrogation at least 10 other foreigners whose churches are suspected to be leading some members into dangerous occult practices, The Standard said.

Police have mapped parts of Nairobi, Embu, Kitui, and Kericho as being notorious for occultism based on reported cases.

Authorities in the past issued a warning about a group called the Young Blud Saints, which mainly targets university students in Nairobi. Police said its members are required to sacrifice what they love most to prove their loyalty to the organization