This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On October 31, 2019, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) began questioning 86 suspects, including church clerics and political leaders, over suspicion of involvement in cultism and ritual killings.
The move comes after DCI boss George Kinoti warned of a drastic increase in cult cases in Nairobi, Embu, Kitui, and Kericho towns, citing uncovered evidence following investigations into a chain of killings in the country.
Among those being questioned are 14 businessmen, 4 church deacons, farmers, county officials, and teachers, who have all denied having any knowledge of cult activities.
The DCI's investigation was sparked by the seizure of a book from Kavinya Mwangangi, a suspect who confessed to taking part in the killing of a Catholic priest, Father Michael Kyengo, for a sacrifice offering.
The book contained the names of politicians, business owners, civil servants, and others who the detectives presume are potential recruits or members of the cult group.
DCI has so far questioned 22 people, with more expected to be summoned for questioning.
