Police in Kilifi county, Kenya, have detained a 31-year-old woman for engaging in prolonged fasting at Shakahola farmlands in Malindi subcounty. The area has been under scrutiny following the discovery of over 400 bodies in shallow graves, linked to a cult-like incident. The woman, a resident of Thika in Kiambu county, was found fasting near River Galana and was taken into custody on Sunday.
According to officials, the woman had been fasting for three days when she was spotted by villagers. She claimed to have undertaken the fast due to a religious calling. During police questioning, she stated that she had traveled from Kiambu County to Lamu, then to Baolala, before proceeding to Shakahola. She denied any association with Paul Mackenzie or his teachings.
A search of her belongings revealed a black touchscreen mobile phone, a lesso, a black bag containing two partially filled water bottles allegedly containing acid, six matchboxes, and stones. The woman told investigators that she had been carrying these items during her fasting period. The contents of the bottles and the purpose of the other items are yet to be established through investigations.
The incident has raised concerns, with officials remaining on alert in the area to prevent any further instances of such practices. Most victims found in Shakahola are non-locals. The Shakahola massacre, led by Paul Mackenzie, involved a religious cult that resulted in the deaths of over 400 people. Mackenzie has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter and other charges.
Mackenzie's Good News International Church was established in 2003, but he claimed to have closed it in 2019. He encouraged his followers to move to Shakahola forest, preparing for the end of the world to "meet Jesus." Mackenzie preached that formal education was satanic and used to extort money. He was previously arrested in 2017 and 2018 for discouraging children from attending school.
The authorities have faced criticism following the discovery of the mass grave, with accusations that the deaths could have been prevented had there been tougher regulations. The Kenyan government has been working to address concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation into the woman's fasting and the items found in her possession is ongoing.
The Shakahola incident has sparked a national conversation about cults and their activities in Kenya. The government has been urged to take a closer look at the regulation of religious groups and to provide support to those affected by such incidents. The detained woman is being held pending further questioning and investigations.
Key points
- A 31-year-old woman was detained in Kenya for engaging in prolonged fasting in the Shakahola area.
- The area has been under scrutiny following the discovery of over 400 bodies in shallow graves linked to a cult-like incident.
- The woman denied any association with Paul Mackenzie or his teachings.
