31-Year-Old Woman Arrested After Three-Day Fast at Shakahola

NAIROBI, Kenya - Authorities have apprehended a 31-year-old woman, Esther Njeri, from Thika, Kiambu County, after she was discovered engaging in an extended fast at the Shakahola farmlands in Kilifi County, according to a police report dated September 29.

Eyewitnesses in the area near River Galana, approximately 38 kilometers west of Langobaya Police Station, reportedly observed Njeri fasting for three consecutive days. Upon her discovery, she was apprehended by the area assistant chief, local peace committee members, police officers from Shakahola, and village elders.

During her interrogation, Njeri disclosed that she had journeyed from Kiambu County to Lamu, subsequently to Baolala, before reaching Shakahola. She attributed her prolonged fast to a supposed religious directive.

When questioned about her alleged association with Paul Mackenzie and his teachings, Njeri vehemently denied any connection. Police officers seized her personal belongings during her arrest, which included a black touchscreen mobile phone, a leso, a black bag containing two partially filled water bottles potentially holding acid, six matchboxes, and beach stones.

The police report further indicates that Njeri claimed to have carried these items throughout her fasting period. She has since been placed under police custody for further questioning and investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) based in Malindi. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her fasting and the recovered items is ongoing. As of now, the police have not announced any charges against Njeri.