30-Day Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew Imposed on Chakama Ranch in Shakahola Cult Probe
As the investigation into a cult whose members starved themselves to death intensifies, the government has imposed a 30-day curfew on Chakama Ranch in Kilifi County, where Shakahola Forest is located.
Using a Wednesday Gazette Notice, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki designated the area as a troubled area and a crime scene.
On April 26, he prohibited all public gatherings, processions, and movement, whether solo or in a group, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“The area is a security operation zone, and public access is prohibited as of today, April 26th, 2023, unless authorized by the operation commander and/or until these orders are revoked,” he continued.
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In addition, Kindiki stated that the government has established a Public Information, Tracing, and Support Centre at the entrance to Chakama Ranch for those searching for family members believed to have been members of the violent cult.
Alternatively, anyone with questions, information, or a report of a missing person should dial 0112 966 857.
On Tuesday, the death toll from the incident in which Pastor Paul Mackenzie Nthenge of the Good News International Church allegedly instructed members to starve themselves to “meet Jesus” surpassed 90.
At the same time, over 300 people were still missing, and sources close to the investigation reported that the majority of the deceased were children.
Wednesday, Florence Bore, cabinet secretary for Labour and Social Protection, told reporters that eleven children were among those rescued alive and relocated to a safe location.
Since then, police have also arrested fourteen cult members. Two children died of starvation while in the care of Mackenzie and his wife last month, and he remains in police custody.
30-Day Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew Imposed on Chakama Ranch in Shakahola Cult Probe
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