Fresh fears of cult activity emerge in Kilifi, nearly two years after Shakahola Massacre

Emily Chebet

Digital Citizen 

July 20, 2025

Fresh fears of cult activity emerge in Kilifi, nearly two years after Shakahola Massacre

Nearly two years after the gruesome discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest shocked the nation and the world, chilling new developments out of Kilifi County are stoking fears that the horrors of 2023 may not be behind us.

Authorities have recovered one body and rescued four severely emaciated individuals just kilometres from the original Shakahola site—raising alarming questions about the possible resurgence of cult-like activity in the region.

Even more disturbing is the revelation that among those arrested is a husband and wife, former victims of the Shakahola cult, who had previously been rescued during the 2023 operation but disappeared again earlier this year.

The couple, originally from Nyadorera in Siaya County, allegedly fled their home in March with six children—aged between 1 and 15 years—before resurfacing in Kilifi under circumstances now under active investigation.

A brother of the male suspect, whose identity has been concealed for safety, confirmed that the family had once been reintegrated into the community but mysteriously vanished months ago.

“Alitoka huko nyumbani na familia yake wakaenda Shakahola mara ya kwanza… wakati watu walikuwa wanatolewa, tuliweza kuwaokoa wakaenda nyumbani,” he said. “Tulijua atareform akiwa nyumbani… lakini amerudi tena.”

The whereabouts of the six children remain unknown. “Nimewaishi na hao watoto,” the brother added. “Nimefuata kujua wako hali gani lakini sijawaona. Sasa nimeachia serikali ifanye uchunguzi.”

Human rights advocates and local authorities fear the emergence of what they are calling a possible “Shakahola Two.” Rapid Response Officer Mathias Shipeta expressed grave concern, saying one of the couple’s children had been among those held during the initial Shakahola raid and placed in a rescue facility. “As we speak, we are concerned that Shakahola 2 inaweza kuwa imeanza,” Shipeta warned. “We are calling upon the police to investigate the matter and ensure we do not have casualties or deaths as in Shakahola 1.”

Ongoing investigations suggest that remnants of the original Shakahola network may still be active, quietly regrouping and continuing indoctrination efforts despite government crackdowns and nationwide condemnation.

“We have been told that some of those previously charged and detained at Shimo la Tewa are regrouping and conducting teachings to continue radicalizing Kenyans,” Shipeta said.

The victim’s brother echoed the growing alarm: “Naomba serikali hii mambo ya Shakahola ikapate kuisha kabisa… isiendelee tena. Inaonekana bado watu wanaendelea kuregroup huko msituni.”

The original Shakahola tragedy, believed to have been orchestrated by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, claimed over 400 lives and triggered widespread calls for reform of religious and cult-related laws in Kenya.

https://www.citizen.digital/news/fresh-fears-of-cult-activity-emerge-in-kilifi-nearly-two-years-after-shakahola-massacre-n366650