The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Authorities and residents in Kilifi County are alarmed over signs of renewed cult activity near Shakahola Forest—just two years after the chilling massacre linked to Paul Makenzi’s Good News International Church that left over 450 dead.
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On Saturday, police rescued 11 people from a remote area in Kwa Binzaro village, Chakama, close to the forest where the 2023 mass deaths occurred. A separate search team earlier discovered a decomposing body and four emaciated individuals in the same area.
Further investigations at a homestead deep within Chakama Ranch uncovered a fresh corpse, two human skulls, and led to the rescue of four people—three women and a man. Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott confirmed the recovery and described the location as a suspected hub of radical activities.
“We rescued four individuals—three of them visibly frail. The body recovered appeared fresh, and we also found two skulls at the scene,” Biwott stated.
Those rescued were identified as Jairus Otieno, 50, Lilian Otieno, 40, Kahonzi Katana, 40, and Loice Zawadi, 19. While Otieno appeared to be in good health, the three women were malnourished and have since been hospitalized at Malindi Sub-County Hospital.
Sources allege the deceased woman may have been strangled, possibly out of fear that she might expose the group’s activities. The survivors reportedly refused food and declined to explain their presence in the forest.
Police say the property’s owner fled when officers approached, heightening suspicions of illegal religious practices.
Earlier signs of a cult revival emerged in April when Pastor Abel Kahindi Gandi Charo, 49, was arrested in the Chakama area following the suspicious death of a follower. He was accused of promoting dangerous teachings, discouraging medical treatment, and selling “maji ya uzima” (water of life) at Sh200 per litre, claiming it had healing powers. Gandi was later released on bond.
The events have drawn comparisons to the 2023 Shakahola tragedy, where Makenzi allegedly led his followers to their deaths through mass starvation in the belief they would meet God. More than 600 people remain missing to date.
In the latest case, the rescued 11 appeared in court before Malindi Principal Magistrate Joy Wesonga. The prosecution requested 30 more days to complete investigations, a motion the court granted. The group, which includes a minor, was remanded as inquiries continue into possible criminal or terrorist links.
Among the arrested is a couple from Nyadorera, Siaya County, believed to be former Makenzi followers. Reports say they fled with their six children—aged between 1 and 15—raising fears that the group may have included children.
Human rights advocates and local leaders are calling for urgent interventions to prevent a repeat of the 2023 horror. Haki Afrika’s Shipeta warned that some individuals formerly held at Shimo la Tewa Prison may be regrouping and spreading radical ideologies again.
“These signs suggest remnants of the Shakahola cult may be reorganizing and indoctrinating new followers. Authorities must act decisively,” he said.
The latest developments have renewed calls for tighter regulation of religious movements and vigilance in regions previously affected by cult-related tragedies.
