Nearly two years after the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest shocked Kenya and the world, new developments in Kilifi County are sparking renewed fears that the horrors of 2023 may be resurfacing.

Authorities have recovered one body and rescued four severely malnourished individuals just kilometers from the original Shakahola site, raising alarming concerns about a possible revival of cult-related activity in the area.

Among those arrested are a husband-and-wife former victims of the Shakahola cult who were rescued during the 2023 operation but mysteriously vanished earlier this year.

The couple, originally from Nyadorera in Siaya County, reportedly fled their home in March with their six children, aged between one and fifteen, before reappearing in Kilifi under suspicious circumstances now under investigation.

A brother of the male suspect, speaking on condition of anonymity for his safety, said the family had once been successfully reintegrated into the community but later disappeared without a trace.

“He left home with his family and went to Shakahola the first time… During the rescue operations, we managed to bring them back home,” he explained. “We hoped he would reform, but now he has returned.”

The whereabouts of the couple’s six children remain unknown. “I lived with those children,” the brother added. “I’ve tried to find out where they are, but I haven’t seen them. I’m now leaving it to the government to investigate.”

Human rights activists and local authorities now fear the emergence of a so-called “Shakahola Two.” Mathias Shipeta, a Rapid Response Officer with Haki Africa, raised the alarm, saying one of the children was among those rescued during the original Shakahola raid and placed in a safe facility.

“As we speak, we are concerned that Shakahola Two may be taking shape,” said Shipeta. “We’re calling on the police to take swift action and prevent casualties like we witnessed during the first tragedy.”

Preliminary investigations suggest that remnants of the original Shakahola network may still be active, quietly regrouping and resuming indoctrination efforts despite past arrests and government crackdowns.

“We have received reports that some individuals previously detained at Shimo la Tewa Prison are regrouping and conducting secret teachings, continuing to radicalize Kenyans,” Shipeta revealed.

The brother of the suspect echoed these concerns: “I urge the government to bring an end to this Shakahola situation once and for all. It seems some people are still regrouping in the forest.”

The original Shakahola tragedy, linked to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, led to the deaths of more than 400 people and triggered national outcry, prompting calls for tighter regulation of religious organizations and cult activity in Kenya.