Deepening fears of a resurgence of the Shakahola massacre have gripped the nation after six children from one family survivors of the 2023 tragedy are now feared to be among dozens of new victims buried in shallow graves within Kwa Binzaro village, inside the notorious Chakama Ranch.
The children, identified as Flora (15), Mary (14), Christine (10), Shadrach (6), Esther (4), and Tonny (1), were part of a family of eight that had been rescued two years ago and relocated to Siaya County under government protection.
But in March this year, their father, Jairus, deceived relatives by claiming he had secured employment in Bondo.
Instead, he led his wife and six children back to Kilifi straight into the grip of the same cult that nearly killed them before.
According to police, Jairus and his wife Lilian Atieno were arrested on Saturday after being found in the forest.
They are among four adults who were rescued and taken into custody amid growing concerns about the continuation of cult-like activities under the banner of Paul Makenzie’s Good News International Church despite Makenzie being in prison and on trial for the first wave of Shakahola deaths.
In an emotional interview with Citizen TV, a close relative revealed a disturbing confession made by Jairus while in police custody:
“Kwa kusema ukweli watoto wamekufa, kwa sababu aliniconfirmia yeye mwenyewe… Akasema watoto wamekufa na wakazikwa,” the relative said.
“Bibi yake pia, akaniambia pia watoto wake wamekufa.”
Even more chilling are revelations that Makenzie’s cult remains operational.
According to the relative, Jairus disclosed that the imprisoned pastor still communicates with followers via mobile phone and allegedly provides “spiritual counsel” during fasting rituals that have proven fatal.
“Ako gerezani na anaoperate na simu… Mackenzie ndiye anakuombea kwa simu ambayo anapiga akiwa gerezani,” the relative added.
“Walikuwa wanamtafuta wamuuwe kwa sababu alibadilika baada ya watoto wake kufa.”
Human rights groups say this new chapter already dubbed “Shakahola Two” may be deadlier than the first.
“We expect to recover more than 47 bodies based on testimonies from victim families,” said Matheus Shipeta, a spokesperson for Haki Africa.
“The government must urgently regulate phone access for suspects like Makenzie, who are clearly continuing to radicalise followers even while behind bars.”
Residents of Binzaro village, where the new mass graves are believed to be located, have confirmed seeing disturbing patterns including the disappearance of people and the burial of bodies in shallow pits.
“Alikuwa anatuambia kuna watu wengine walikuwa wanakaa humo ndani… Alituonyesha jinsi walivyokuwa wanawazika,” said resident John Kamara.
So far, 11 people have been arrested in connection with the renewed cult operations. They are currently in remand and are expected to appear in court on August 22.
The government is now seeking court warrants to conduct full-scale search operations in the area as it works to establish the true extent of this tragedy, which it has described as a continuing case of religious radicalisation and psychological manipulation.
The original Shakahola massacre came to light in 2023 when hundreds of bodies were exhumed from shallow graves in Kilifi.
The victims, mostly members of Makenzie’s cult, had been coerced into fasting to death with promises of salvation.
The tragedy triggered national and global outrage, leading to an ongoing trial and investigations into religious extremism in Kenya.
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