shakahola cult Stories

17-year-old girl testifies about forced removal from school, life in Paul Mackenzie's Shakahola cult
Mishi Gongo  |  Aug 13, 2024

The minor revealed that she was forced to fast for 38 days before authorities intervened.

How Mackenzie’s Shakahola victims suffered under ruthless militia-like gang
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 24, 2024

The court heard that the gang carried out systematic exterminations under an intricate governance system.

Hundreds of cult victims to be buried in Shakahola Forest amid identification challenges
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 11, 2024

Out of the 453 bodies linked to Mackenzie’s teachings, only 34 have been positively identified and handed over to relatives for burial.

Shakahola exhumation to resume Monday as DCI reveals fresh details on cult deaths
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 06, 2024

Since the inception of the first phase in April last year, a total of 446 bodies have been exhumed.

Shakahola Forest exhumations: Detectives launch fifth phase in hunt for missing bodies
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 03, 2024

The homicide detectives, led by Director Martin Nyuguto, have spent the last few months mapping and identifying new mass graves.

State waives all mortuary fees for Shakahola victims
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 27, 2024

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said they will also offer transport for the deceased back to their ancestral homes

Concerns raised over identification process of Shakahola massacre victims
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 26, 2024

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights's Chairperson Roseline Adede complained that the process was painfully slow adding that by 1 pm only one...

State begins release of first Shakahola massacre bodies to families
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 26, 2024

When The Eastleigh Voice arrived at the Malindi Sub County Hospital on Tuesday morning for the exercise, only a few families had shown up for the coll...

Families of Shakahola victims appeal for state’s help to bury their kin
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 25, 2024

Mwibo lost his mother, sister and niece who were devoted followers of Paul Mackenzie’s church, Good News International.

Shakahola massacre: Paul Mackenzie, 38 others denied bond in child cruelty case
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 14, 2024

The case will, however, be expedited to prevent undue delays, Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir said.

Shakahola massacre: Trial delayed as Paul Mackenzie skips court
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 13, 2024

Alleged cult leader Paul Mackenzie refused to attend proceedings in his trial over terrorism-related charges.

Shakahola murders: DPP wants Paul Mackenzie appeal dismissed
Farhiya Hussein  |  Mar 07, 2024

The prosecution argued that there is no provision of law compelling the DPP to reduce the number of murder charges against Mackenzie and his 29 co-acc...

Kilifi Governor wants Shakahola bodies moved from morgue for renovation
Farhiya Hussein  |  Feb 25, 2024

Governor Mung’aro urged the government to expedite the identification of those bodies so their families could come and take them to pave the way and r...

Shakahola massacre: Bond hearing for Paul Mackenzie, co-accused pushed over health concerns
Farhiya Hussein  |  Feb 20, 2024

The alleged cult leader and 94 other suspects appeared weak and emaciated after reportedly going on a hunger strike.

Exhumation of bodies at Shakahola forest to resume in March
Lucy Mumbi  |  Feb 15, 2024

So far the state has conducted autopsies on 429 bodies and is waiting for the DNA results.

State declares Paul Mackenzie's church an organised criminal group
Lucy Mumbi  |  Jan 31, 2024

The self-proclaimed pastor allegedly incited his followers to starve to death to "meet Jesus", in a case that provoked horror across the world, with t...

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