11 children rescued from jaws of death in Shakahola

By Peter Ochieng

Eleven children are counting their lucky stars, after being rescued from the jaws of death in Shakahola village, Kilifi County.

The children include a two months infant. They are among hundreds of people believed to have taken or forced to take a 'fast of death' in order to 'meet Jesus.'

The fast we reportedly ordered by 'cult like church' leader Paul Mackenzie who is in police custody.

Florance Bore, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social protection on Wednesday said the rescued children gave accounts of how they were denied the right to food and education.

"Listened to the children who were rescued from Shakahola in Malindi from the Cult that had forced them out of school and denied them food and proper care. The children officers, under the state department of Social Protection are making sure that the children are safe," the CS said in a statement.

"As of Wednesday morning, eleven (11) children had been rescued to a safe location. The children are currently acclimating with the new residence and are undergoing play therapy. Counseling for the affected children will begin on Monday."

She said one of the rescued children is in hospital.

"One boy is in hospital, one 2-weeks old infant is with the mother. My ministry is looking into the welfare of the children and how they can continue with schooling," she added.

Homicide detectives are going on with an operation to rescue more people.