Ruto: Give us time, we'll get to the bottom of Shakahola cult

Speaking during a church service at AIC church in Milimani on Sunday, President Ruto affirmed that the government is working closely with security agencies and relevant authorities in the ongoing probe, requesting Kenyans to be more patient.

"I want to assure you that the government is going to get to the bottom of what really happened," said Ruto with certainty.

"Give us a little time, our security agencies are working around the clock so that we can unravel these acts that shame the people who want to abuse the sanctity of religion and cause loss of lives."

The Head of State went on to note that government will be collaborating with the church and spiritual leaders to explore solutions that will help weed out individuals who are using religion to manipulate Kenyans.

"We are going to work with the church so that we can prevent anything like that to ever happen again in our republic," he said.

"We have to be sensitive and I am confident that our religious leaders will give us advise on how true religion is not taken advantage of by people who have aims that are not very legitimate."

On May 5, President Ruto appointed a Commission of Inquiry consisting of 13 members to begin a probe into the starvation cult.

The Head of State tasked the commission with inquiring into the deaths as well as allegations of torture and inhumane treatment of followers of controversial self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie and his Good News International Church based in Kilifi County. 

The team, which will be led by Lady Justice Jessie Lesiit, consists of Lady Justice (Rtd.) Mary Muhanji Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Dr. Jonathan Lodompui, Dr. Frank Njenga, Wanyama Musiambu and Albert Musasia.

Others are Oliver Kipchumba Karori and Rachel Maina acting in the capacity of Joint Secretaries, as well as Kioko Kilukumi as the Lead Counsel.

Vivian Janet Nyambeki and Bahati Mwamuye were also designated as the commission’s assisting counsel.

Meanwhile, Pastor Mackenzie is serving a 30-day detention which began May 10, alongside 17 other suspects including his wife who were arraigned at the Shanzu law courts.

The suspects are held in various police stations across Kilifi while investigations into the cult deaths continue.