Police detained Pastor Paul Mackenzie's wife on Monday night as part of ongoing investigations into the Kilifi cult, which urged members to hunger to meet God.
Police said Rhoda Mumbua Maweu and her aunt were apprehended from hiding in Mtwapa, while Mackenzie and Pastor Ezekiel Odero are scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 2.
Mumbua was identified as a significant figure in the church's operations, according to police, prompting the arrest.
She will also have to appear in court.
Mackenzie is accused of duping people into seeking salvation through warped, radical religious doctrines and dread of the unknown, resulting in many fatalities.
Did you read this?
Authorities suspect him of promoting a harmful religion that pushes followers to starve themselves to go to paradise sooner.
Police have studied Mackenzie's phone records and interviewed church members as part of their inquiry.
Mumbua's name arose as a subject of interest during this process, according to authorities.
She worked as a 'human resources manager' for Mackenzie's administration.
Mumbua, Mackenzie's third wife, is said to have played a crucial role in recruiting new members to the cult.
It is also claimed that she had access to sensitive financial information and was involved in financial choices made on behalf of the church.
So far, 110 remains have been excavated, and the operation in the Shakahola forest is still ongoing, utilizing technology and helicopter monitoring.
Hundreds more are thought to be buried in shallow graves there.
Thirty-six people have been saved from famine.
Mackenzie, held by authorities, is being probed for allegedly instructing his followers to starve themselves to meet their maker. Police believe that some victims did not hunger and were killed and buried on the site.
He has denied any guilt, but bail has been rejected. He insists that his church was closed in 2019.
According to his followers, he told them to starve themselves to "meet Jesus."
