The Quiet Life of a Suspected Cult Priestess in Kilifi

A woman believed to have played a key role in a suspected cult linked to starvation deaths in Kilifi County is under investigation as police expand their probe into the Kwa Bi Nzaro case.

Sharlyne Anindo Temba, 30, from Emuhaya in Vihiga County, is suspected of coordinating operations for the Kwa Bi Nzaro sect, which authorities say facilitated the indoctrination and isolation of followers. Detectives have identified two rental houses in Kaoeni village, near Malindi town, as locations used to host cult members before they were moved to the remote Chakama ranch, where extreme fasting rituals reportedly led to multiple deaths.

The rented premises were described by police as discreet indoctrination centres. Families were brought in quietly from various parts of the country and later transported to Kwa Bi Nzaro, located deep within Chakama ranch. Investigators believe that these movements were carefully planned to avoid detection.

Kaoeni is located near Furunzi, a village associated with Paul Mackenzie, the main suspect in the 2023 Shakahola massacre. 

Authorities believe Ms Temba had ongoing contact with Mackenzie and may have visited him and other detainees at Shimo La Tewa Prison in Mombasa. Her connections and movements are now being closely tracked. During a search of her rental properties, police recovered several documents believed to be crucial to the investigation. These included a motorcycle purchase receipt and a land sale agreement for five acres in Kwa Bi Nzaro. 

Officers believe this land is where the sect’s most extreme activities were carried out. The homestead, which had three rooms, reportedly featured a “preparation” space, two prayer rooms, and a final chamber where followers lay on black PVC sheets and fasted until death. Investigators say the bodies were later wrapped and disposed of.

Authorities also found a national identity card belonging to Lilian Akinyi, the wife of Jairus Otieno. The couple, originally from Siaya County, are among 11 suspects currently in custody. Their six children remain missing. Preliminary investigations suggest Mr Otieno was separated from the group after refusing to participate in burial rites. 

Ms Akinyi reportedly began questioning the sect’s teachings after the death of their sixth child, prompting Mr Otieno to alert outsiders using a borrowed phone. His actions helped expose the group’s activities. Neighbours in Malindi, where Ms Temba lived, described her as quiet and reserved. Families visiting her residence did not draw attention, and no obvious religious gatherings were observed. Police said her low profile made it easier to conceal the group’s activities.

Residents of Kwa Bi Nzaro have also come forward with accounts of interactions with Ms Temba. In March, she allegedly arrived by motorcycle to inquire about buying land. Karisa Gona, a local, sold her a parcel, unaware of her intentions. His wife, Sara Thoya, described Ms Temba as polite and modestly dressed, noting that she refused food, citing fasting.

A community-led raid on Ms Temba’s compound is believed to have allowed several individuals to escape. In response, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered a full investigation into the entire Chakama ranch to uncover the scale of the operation.