Journalists barred from Shakahola forest

By Peter Ochieng

Journalists and other members of the public have been blocked from going into Shakahola forest, Kilifi County.

Detectives continue to comb the 800 acre forest, digging up shallow graves to unearth bodies of children, women and men who died after taking a 'fast to death to meet Jesus.'

Over 90 bodies have been exhumed, in an exercise that started a week ago.

Additionally, police have rescued several emaciated people, who were taking the fast.

The victims are followers of 'Pastor' Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International (GNI) 'Church.'

Journalists have been part and parcel of the operation, but they were, on Wednesday stopped from accessing the forest by police officers, who termed it a disturbed area.

Earlier, in a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kithure Kindiki said the forest is an active scene of crime.

"The area is an active security operation zone and no access to it by the public shall be permitted effective today 26th April 2023, except as may be permitted by the operation Commander and/or until these orders are vacated," said the CS.

He added, "Curfew orders have also been declared and gazetted within the said area between 1800 HRS in the evening up to and until 0600 HRS in the morning for a period of 30 days. There shall be no public gatherings, processions or movement either alone or as a group during the period of curfew into and out of Chakama Ranch except as shall be permitted, in writing, by the Kilifi County Police Commander in consultation with the Operation Commander."

Mackenzie remains in police custody as investigations into activities of his cult like church continue.