Eleven suspects were arraigned at the Malindi Law Courts on Tuesday, July 22 in connection with suspected cult activities near Shakahola Forest.
The arrests were made by detectives at Kwa Binzaro village in Malindi sub-county, Kilifi County, raising fresh fears of a resurgence of cult activity in the region.
This comes just over a year after the Shakahola massacre incident.
11 nabbed over suspected new cult near Shakahola forest. Photo: Courtesy.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers presented the suspects before Malindi Principal Magistrate Joy Wesonga but did not press formal charges.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) then requested 30 more days to complete investigations, a request currently under review by the court.
According to authorities, the group was discovered in a forested area in a setting disturbingly reminiscent of the Shakahola tragedy linked to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
During the operation, one body was recovered and four severely emaciated individuals were rescued.
Among those arrested were a man and his wife, reportedly former followers of the Shakahola cult.
Police are continuing with the investigation so as to determine whether the arrested individuals were forming or participating in a splinter cult inspired by Mackenzie’s teachings.
