shakahola forest Stories

Shakahola massacre trial: Witness describes fasting, escape ordeal in hands of Mackenzie
Farhiya Hussein  |  Sep 10, 2024

The witness revealed that, after fasting for three days in the harsh conditions, he attempted to escape to find food.

Ombudsman names security chiefs who failed to stop Shakahola massacre
Joseph Ndunda  |  Aug 30, 2024

The Ombudsman wants the Principal Secretary for the State Department of National Security and Administration and the Inspector General of police to ho...

How defilement in Shakahola happened under Mackenzie's nose -Minor
Farhiya Hussein  |  Aug 15, 2024

The minor informed the court that her mother's efforts to have the case reported to the police were thwarted by Mackenzie.

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.

How my siblings were starved to death and buried in Shakahola
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 11, 2024

The minor in his sworn evidence stated that he left with his father to the forest before their mother joined them inside Shakahola forest and never at...

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.

How my brother led his family of seven to Shakahola - state witness
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 10, 2024

Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Leah Juma was forced to adjourn the proceedings after the witness, a senior consultant surgeon, broke down in tears...

Shakahola massacre: Paul Mackenzie's radicalisation case begins in Shanzu
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jul 08, 2024

Mackenzie, along with 94 others, faces 13 counts of terrorism-related offences. The court has set marathon hearing dates from July 8-11 and July 22-25...

Detectives exhume two more bodies in Shakahola Forest, pushing death toll to 448
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 11, 2024

The Shakahola forest has been the site of a major investigation following reports of mass graves linked to a suspected cult.

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 exhumations: Chief Pathologist Johansen Oduor explains 'lengthy investigation' process
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 04, 2024

The total exhumed bodies stand at 443, with the exercise continuing as families await closure.

Shakahola massacre: Seven more bodies found in three graves, total now 436
Farhiya Hussein  |  Jun 03, 2024

The discovery from three gravesites raised the number of bodies to 436 since the first phase of exhumations began last April.

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: 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.

Shakahola massacre: Paul Mackenzie charged with child torture, cruelty
Agency  |  Jan 25, 2024

The self-proclaimed pastor, who has already been charged with terrorism and manslaughter, is alleged to have incited his acolytes to starve to death t...

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