NIS Under Scrutiny Over Shakahola Deaths in Malindi Cult
By Tuesday evening, April 25, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had exhumed the bodies of more than 90 individuals believed to be Good News International Church members.
Members of the Christian cult from Kenya and neighboring countries believed that if they starved to death in their hideout in Shakahola village, Kilifi county, they would go to heaven.
On Friday, April 21, police in Malindi began exhuming bodies from the 800-acre forest owned by sect leader Paul Mackenzie, who is currently in police custody.
Mackenzie is likely to face charges.
This is even though Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki previously stated that the government intends to charge Mackenzie with genocide and terrorism.
During a visit to the crime scene, Kindiki stated that the state will explore all options. To ensure that the “man of God” spends the rest of his life in prison.
This shocking incident in a quiet Kilifi village has revealed the worst of our society. Raising additional red flags about how we live and are governed by those in authority.
It has recently come to light that Mackenzie has been conducting his activities for many years. And that his cult’s bizarre turn became apparent as early as April 2023.
This raises the question of where our intelligence officers are.
Systemic failure in the criminal justice sector
John Mueke, a city attorney, told GossipA2Z that the revelation of Mackenzie’s activities in Shakahola has opened a can of worms that society has been so eager to conceal.
“It has revealed flaws in many aspects of our nation. Such as a breakdown in the criminal justice system. Poor religious doctrines, poor politics, and a failure by the state to protect human rights, as well as our nation’s vulnerability and credulity,” Mueke explained.
ALSO READ: Survivor Accuses Mackenzie of Ordering Children’s Starvation in Kilifi Cult
Following a tip suggesting the existence of shallow graves containing the remains of at least 31 of Mackenzie’s followers, he was arrested. According to GossipA2Z, Mackenzie has refused to eat and drink while in police custody.
GossipA2Z interviewed experts who questioned why NIS and other security agencies failed to detect the cult’s activities, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of people.
Reflecting on the fact that Mackenzie has been doing this for a very long time is unsettling. Nick Omitto, director of the Centre for Human Rights and Mediation, stated, “There is a possibility that he compromised the security agencies, as it is impossible for all these deaths to occur right under their noses.”
Omitto, a human rights activist, questioned why the NIS had failed to monitor Mackenzie’s activities after the courts had previously released him.
“While pointing a finger at accusation at the NIS, we should also ask ourselves how many families of the victims reported the whereabouts of their relatives to the authorities. “However, let it be known that either NIS or Mackenzie slept together,” Omitto continued.
What is the NIS mission?
NIS is tasked with providing security intelligence and counterintelligence, as well as protecting Kenyans’ national security interests.
Abubakar Bini, the leader of the Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) in the North Rift, stated that the security agency failed miserably in reporting or taking action against the cult.
“As Muslims, we find this incident in Kilifi shocking. It is shocking to see so many people die when there was a way to prevent their deaths. As an example, we have Nyumba Kumi, sub-chief and head of the DCI,” Bini explained.
In his own words, he continued, “What are they doing while earning with taxpayer funds? This situation demonstrates that we are still living in a time when our safety is not guaranteed.”
Caleb Amisi defends NIS vehemently
However, when contacted for comment, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi absolved NIS of responsibility for the incident.
“Do not throw random punches at NIS. The law of intelligence gathering prohibits them from announcing or acting on their work in public. They transmit it in its raw form to other security agencies for action, with the president as the highest recipient, according to Amisi.
According to a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the recipient can choose to withhold a significant amount of information, and in some instances, they use Intel to conduct business with would-be criminals.
“NIS is a nation’s nuclear unit, which must never be unfairly exposed, unheard, or politicized. This will disintegrate our national security system. “I’ve been a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence for the past six years. And I can assure you that Major General Philip Kameru and the entire intelligence system are the best we’ve had. Since the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte’s empire at the Battle of Waterloo.” Amisi said while asking if the victims’ families had ever reported the cases.
Regulation of religious activities in Kenya
Similarly to Bini, Omitto has called for the regulation of religion in Kenya, claiming that there are gaps in the law regarding the regulation of religious activities.
“It is time for all of our churches to be led by pastors who have taken theology courses. “Once they are regulated, there will be discipline and manners in their actions,” he said.
Bini, for his part, urged the government to begin regulating the proliferation of new religious groups in the country.
Bini stated, “It is a fact that religion in Kenya has been commercialized, and failure to regulate it poses a grave threat to our beloved nation.”
ALSO READ: GSU Officer, Wife and Mother Missing in Shakahola Cult Probe
Mueke remarked, however, that regulation of religious organizations alone will not solve the enormous problems confronting our churches, arguing that a multidimensional approach is required.
“The Criminal Justice System must be more vigilant first. The state is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights. From the NIS detecting these heinous acts to prosecution and sentencing in court. The government failed in its duty, Mueke said.
Mackenzie has been arrested multiple times and always released on KSh 10,000 cash bail.
“His lack of sentencing indicates that someone fell asleep on the job, either during the investigation, prosecution, or sentencing phases.
Insufficient knowledge among Kenyans
Mueke also noted that the gullibility and desperation of the people as a result of poverty and poor mental health make them susceptible. Which is why exploitative preachers prey on them.
Mueke continued, “Until all these issues are viewed from a multidimensional perspective. We will continue to see religious gimmicks and exploitation disguised. And packaged in different and even similar ways to those of Mackenzie.”
Already, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) has released the most recent number of people who have gone missing. In connection with Mackenzie’s controversial activities.
In a statement, the KRCS reported that the number of missing persons had risen to 212, with 99 males and 113 females.
As the rescue operation continued, KRCS reported that two individuals had already been located and reunited with their families.
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