Kenya Declares Dusk-To-Dawn Curfew At Chakama Ranch As Body Exhumation Continues

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_105953" align="alignnone" width="900"] Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki[/caption] The government of Kenya on Wednesday declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew within Chakama Ranch, Shakahola village in Malindi, Kilifi County, Coastal part of the country, for 30 days. Chakama Ranch hosts Shakahola forest, where followers of a controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie have been starving to death. In a circular, the country's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the curfew will run from 6 pm to 6 am for the next one month. "Curfew orders have also been declared and gazetted within the said area between 6 pm in the evening up to and until 6 am in the morning for a period of 30 days," said Kindiki. During the period, there shall be no public gatherings, processions, or movement either alone or as a group unless approved by the authorities. "There shall be no public gatherings, processions or movement either alone or as a group during the curfew period into and out of Chakama Ranch except as shall be permitted, in writing, by the Kilifi County Police Commander in consultation with the Operation Commander," added Kindiki. The restrictions would allow the authorities to speed up the ongoing investigation in the large forest. Kindiki further stated that the government has established a Public Information, Tracing, and Support Centre near the entrance of Chakama Ranch for individuals looking for loved ones who may have been a part of the murderous cult. Anyone with questions, information, or a missing person report can also call 0112 966 857 instead. On Wednesday, the death toll climbed from 90 to 95 after investigators exhumed five more children's bodies. The 800-acre property is purportedly held by cult leader Paul Mackenzie, who has been radicalizing his members to fast to death to see Jesus. Police are currently holding the preacher while they question him about the bodies in the forest.