NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested a 31-year-old woman after she was found undertaking a three-day fast at the Shakahola farmlands in Kilifi County.
Esther Njeri, a resident of Thika, Kiambu County, was reportedly spotted by villagers fasting near River Galana, about 38 kilometres west of Langobaya Police Station.
According to a police report, Njeri was escorted to Langobaya Police Station by the area assistant chief, members of the local peace committee, officers from Shakahola and village elders.
Woman Says She Was Responding To Religious Call
During questioning, Njeri told police that she had travelled from Kiambu County to Lamu before proceeding to Baolala and later Shakahola.
She reportedly told investigators that she had undertaken the prolonged fast after what she described as a religious call.
Njeri also denied any association with Paul Mackenzie or his teachings.
Mackenzie is the leader of the Good News International Church, whose followers were linked to the Shakahola deaths in a case that prompted a major investigation into deaths at the Kilifi forest.
Police Recover Suspected Acid And Other Items
Police said a search of Njeri’s belongings led to the recovery of a black touchscreen mobile phone, a leso and a black bag.
The bag allegedly contained two partially filled water bottles containing what police described as acid, six matchboxes and beach stones.
According to the police report, Njeri said she had been carrying the items during her fasting period.
She was subsequently placed in police custody pending further questioning and investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), Malindi Detachment.
The circumstances surrounding her prolonged fast and the items recovered from her belongings remain under investigation.
Police had not indicated whether any charges had been preferred against Njeri at the time of reporting.
