The grim discovery was made by a multi-agency team combing through the thickets bordering the Shakahola forest—an area already notorious following the 2023 Shakahola massacre linked to cult leader Paul Mackenzie.
Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, who is leading the operation, confirmed the arrest of 11 individuals in connection with the latest incident, including the woman believed to be at the center of the suspected cult activities.
“We have arrested the main culprit—the lady who was operating here—and 10 other suspects. Investigations are ongoing, and we want to establish who sold this land to her, because this is part of Chakama Ranch,” said Onyancha.
While DNA profiling of the bodies has yet to begin, preliminary investigations suggest that some of the victims were previously rescued during the Shakahola operation. Authorities now believe that after being rescued, some individuals may have returned to the forested area, possibly due to rejection by their families or communities.
“Some of them were not fully accepted by their families or communities. That made them come back to this area—although not to the exact spot as the earlier incident, but further inside,” Onyancha added.
The revelations have once again raised concerns about the reintegration of cult survivors and the effectiveness of follow-up measures by government and rehabilitation agencies.
Local activists have also raised alarm over growing fear among residents, which they say is hindering the flow of information crucial to ongoing investigations.
“We’ve spoken to many locals, and they’re afraid to speak up. Some feel that those who share information with the government end up being treated as suspects themselves,” said activist Walid Sketty.
