Empowering Peace, Restoring Hope
Save A Kenyan Initiative (SAKI) is spearheading a pioneering deradicalization programme targeting extremist Christian sects. By combining faith-based outreach with psychosocial support and economic empowerment, we aim to dismantle harmful ideologies and build resilient, unified communities across Kenya.
Christian Religious Extremism
The discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, where more than 400 followers of Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church lost their lives underscored a grim tragedy and heightened concern about the spread of extremist ideologies within certain Christian sects and cults in Kenya.
Other groups, such as the Kavonokia Sect in Eastern Kenya, openly discourage followers from seeking medical treatment or sending children to school. These practices highlight the dangers posed by such sects, which are often linked to manipulation, indoctrination, and exploitation. In extreme cases, they result in gross human rights violations, including loss of life, radical isolation of members, and disruption of community stability.
About the Initiative
SAKI’s programme is founded on compassion, understanding, and evidence-based practice. We recognize that extremism often fills gaps in belonging, identity, and purpose. Our approach restores dignity and connection through holistic reintegration.
Key Pillars
- Faith-Based Outreach & Alternative Narratives: Partnering with mainstream Christian institutions, SAKI promotes inclusive theology and community accountability, offering constructive spiritual pathways while deconstructing extremist teachings.
- Media Engagement: In collaboration with the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), we work to equip journalists and community media with knowledge to responsibly report on sects, cults, and their practices.
- Community-Led Healing: We organize structured dialogue, trauma-informed counseling, and group healing circles for former adherents, families, and faith leaders, creating safe spaces for reflection and recovery.
- Economic empowerment & Social Reintegration: Vocational training, and mentorship programmes help former followers rebuild livelihoods and re-establish healthy social ties.
- Education & Awareness Campaigns: We conduct community workshops, media outreach, and digital campaigns to raise awareness about the signs of extremism, prevention strategies, and stories of recovery.
- Local Capacity Building: We train local government officials, faith leaders, and community representatives in early detection, dialogue facilitation, and referral mechanisms.
- Monitoring & Research: SAKI conducts research on the root causes, push-and-pull factors, and spread of religious extremism. We track programme outcomes including reintegration success, recidivism rates, and community perceptionsto strengthen prevention, early warning, and adaptive programming.
Get Involved
Together, we can end the cycle of manipulation and hurt. Your support helps us expand training, counseling, and community outreach to more regions.
- Donate to enable community-based healing and livelihoods.
- Partner if you’re a church, NGO, government entity, or donor interested in strengthening resilience against religious extremism.
- Share our content to amplify positive narratives and raise awareness.