American freelance journalist Margot Kiser has sued the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Immigration over her alleged deportation from Kenya and a subsequent decision to declare her a prohibited immigrant.
Kiser, who was investigating the Shakahola killings, claims her removal from the country and the denial of her return violated her constitutional rights.
The International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) has also called on the government to explain the circumstances surrounding her deportation.
According to the association, Kiser was removed from her home in Mombasa on October 10, 2025, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), accompanied by armed police officers.
She alleges that the officers seized her phones, laptops and other electronic devices before taking her to Nairobi and putting her on a flight to New York.
“They seized my phones, laptops and other devices, denied me access to a lawyer or even my son, flew me to Nairobi and put me on an Emirates flight bound for New York. I got off in Dubai and stayed there,” Kiser said.
Journalist links case to Shakahola investigation
IPAEA said Kiser had been investigating the Shakahola killings linked to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
The journalist had reportedly raised concerns with the Department of Children’s Services over allegations that young children, including Mackenzie’s own children, were being forced to fast.
The Kenyan government reportedly argued that Kiser’s activities posed a threat to the country’s moral fabric and national security.
However, according to the association’s account, Kiser says the government has not provided evidence explaining which activities prompted the action against her.
The circumstances have raised questions about whether her reporting on the Shakahola case was connected to her removal from Kenya. The allegations have not, however, been established by a court in the information provided.
Kiser denied entry despite residency permit
After leaving Kenya, Kiser applied for and was granted a Class K residency permit, according to IPAEA.
Attempts to come back to the country on March 8, 2026, failed as she was not allowed to enter the country. It was later discovered that she had been listed as a prohibited immigrant.
Kiser is disputing this decision and is of the view that her deportation and refusal to be readmitted to the country are illegal.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Ministry of Interior and the Directorate of Immigration due to the violation of her rights.
The IPAEA is urging the government to come out clear on why this journalist has been deported and to create a conducive environment for journalism.
Case comes after Shakahola murder ruling
The development comes a day after the Mombasa High Court found Mackenzie and 29 co-accused guilty of all 191 murder charges against them.
The court scheduled sentencing for November 6, 2026.
The Shakahola case concerns deaths linked to the activities of Mackenzie and his followers in Kilifi County. Kiser’s reported investigation into the killings forms part of the background to her dispute with the Kenyan government.
