Woman arrested in Kilifi over prolonged fasting at Shakahola farmlands

A 31-year-old woman from Thika, Kiambu County was arrested in Kilifi County for engaging in prolonged fasting at Shakahola farmlands, reported police. The woman was found fasting for three days near River Galana in Malindi Sub-County, according to sources. She claimed the fasting was a result of a religious calling. The woman, who traveled from Kiambu County to Lamu, then to Baolala before reaching Shakahola, denied any connection to Paul Mackenzie or his teachings.

During search of her belongings, police recovered a black touchscreen mobile phone, a lesso, a black bag with two partially filled water bottles possibly containing acid, six matchboxes, and stones. The woman was placed in police custody for further questioning. The incident brings back memories of the Shakahola massacre, where over 400 people died, allegedly following orders from cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, who pleaded not guilty to multiple manslaughter charges, had established Good News International Church in 2003 but closed it in 2019. He encouraged followers to move to Shakahola forest and prepare for the end of the world, preaching that education was "satanic" and extorting money from them. Mackenzie was arrested in 2017 and 2018 for discouraging children from attending school.

Authorities have faced criticism over the mass grave discovery, with accusations that deaths could have been prevented with tougher regulations.