Paul Mackenzie; Interior CS Prof Kindiki imposes curfew in Shakahola
Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki has declared a night curfew in Shakahola Forest, Malindi in Kilifi County.
In a statement released on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Prof Kindiki said the curfew orders are going to be enforced for the next 30 days in and out of the Chakama Ranch.
“Curfew orders have also been declared and gazetted within the said area between 6pm and 6am for a period of 30 days.
The CS said the government is not going to allow any public gatherings, processions or movement of people either in groups or alone in the next 30 days.
Prof Kindiki said that only the Kilifi County Police Commander who will be allowed to allow people make any movements during the curfew time and this will be done in writing.
However, the police commander will have to make consultations with officers spearheading the ongoing exercise of exhuming bodies that had been buried in shallow graves in the forest.
Prof Kindiki also declared the Chakama Ranch of Land Rates number 13472/1 measuring 20,418 hectares and situated in Lango Baya Division, Malindi Sub-County as a disturbed area.
“The aforesaid declaration is contained in the Kenya Gazette Legal Notices Number 52 and 53 of 2023 published on Tuesday, 25th April 2023,” he said, adding that already it had officially been declared a crime scene.
According to the CS, the area is an active security operation zone and no one should be allowed access to it as from today, Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
He also said that the government had set up a Public Information, Tracing and Support Centre at the entrance of the ranch.
“Members of the public are advised to file any enquiries, information or missing person(s)
report(s) at the Public Information, Tracing and Support Centre or call the Centre helpline 0112 966 857,” the statement further read.
The area has hit news headlines following the exhumation of bodies by the police and well-wishers amid reports they had been radicalized by a cult-leader identified as Mr Paul Mackenzie.
Mr Mackenzie who leads the Good News International (GNI) church allegedly asked his followers to starve themselves to death as that was the sure ticket to meet God and head to Heaven.
Also read: Shakahola cult deaths: 314 followers of Paul Mackenzie still missing