Woman detained over Shakahola fasting
A 31-year-old woman was arrested in Kenya's Shakahola farmlands for prolonged fasting, a site infamous for a cult-related massacre where over 400 bodies were exhumed. She claimed a religious calling and denied ties to cult leader Paul Mackenzie, but was found with suspicious items including bottles allegedly containing acid. Police remain vigilant in the area to prevent similar incidents.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of cult activity and religious extremism in the region, raising concerns about public safety and the potential for further tragedies, especially given the recent history of the Shakahola massacre.
Police in Kilifi county have arrested a 31-year-old woman after she was found engaging in prolonged fasting at Shakahola farmlands in Malindi subcounty, Kilifi county.
The area has been a point of interest after more than 400 bodies were exhumed from shallow graves following cult like deaths.
The woman, a resident of Thika, Kiambu county, was reportedly spotted by villagers fasting for three days at a location near River Galana, officials said.
Local officials were alerted before police were called and took her to custody on Sunday.
During questioning, she reportedly said she had undertaken the fasting following what she described as a religious calling.
She told police that she had travelled from Kiambu County to Lamu, then to Baolala before proceeding to Shakahola.
She denied any association with Paul Mackenzie or his teachings, police said on Monday.
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