Nairobi — Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki says Ezekiel Odero, the head of the New Life Prayer Centre and Church would face charges over the 'mass killing of his followers'.

Authorities arrested Odero on Thursday over suspected deaths at his church located at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County.

Investigations are already underway to charge him even as his church remains closed.

"Over 100 people who were holed up at the premise will have their statements recorded by the police," Kindiki said.

Odero's arrest coincides with an investigation into Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, a cult leader accused of the deaths of 98 people linked to his church.

Police have not linked the two cases, nor have they provided details about the allegations against Oder or his church.

They accused Pastor Mackenzie of driving his followers to death by preaching that starvation was the only path to God.

The gruesome saga has prompted calls for a crackdown on fringe religious outfits in the largely Christian country.

Kindiki has already suggested that the government is mulling over regulating religious activities in the country following the Shakahola horror.

"We will not allow cruel people and terrorists and criminals to use religion and the excuse that our constitution allows freedom of worship to hit us and bring disaster such as we are witnessing in Shakahola," Kindiki said.