Carolyne Odour has told the BBC she desperately fears for the fate of her two young sons who went missing two months ago with their father - a follower of the teachings of a notorious starvation cult leader. Ms. Odour indicated that during an ongoing investigation into more deaths linked to this cult, she has identified her husband's body at a mortuary in the coastal town of Malindi. His corpse was found in July in the village of Kwa Binzaro, which sits close to the notorious Shakahola Forest, where over 400 bodies were discovered in 2023, marking one of the worst cases of cult-related mass deaths.
Now, Ms. Odour is awaiting DNA test results for over 30 recently unearthed bodies that might help her determine the whereabouts of her children. I felt pain. I barely recognized him. His body was badly decomposing, she said regarding her husband, Samuel Owino Owoyo. Ms. Odour believes her sons, 12-year-old Daniel and 9-year-old Elijah, were taken by their father to Kwa Binzaro at the end of June.
The self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie is on trial for the so-called 'Shakahola Forest Massacre' and has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. He allegedly advised his followers that they would reach heaven faster if they stopped eating, sparking deep concerns about his continued influence over his followers from jail. Ms. Odour expressed her worries as she reflects on the significant changes in her husband’s beliefs leading up to the tragedy. It had been a painful struggle as their belief systems clashed, especially regarding education and healthcare for their six children.
The ominous turn of events began when her husband took the boys away from home without further contact. After conducting a search, she learned of her husband's death during a raid linked to cult activities. The government has since commenced legislative discussions to address issues of religious extremism and safeguard against further tragedies. Ms. Odour's wait continues; she yearns to know the fate of her beloved sons, reflecting upon the joy they brought to her life amidst this agony.
Now, Ms. Odour is awaiting DNA test results for over 30 recently unearthed bodies that might help her determine the whereabouts of her children. I felt pain. I barely recognized him. His body was badly decomposing, she said regarding her husband, Samuel Owino Owoyo. Ms. Odour believes her sons, 12-year-old Daniel and 9-year-old Elijah, were taken by their father to Kwa Binzaro at the end of June.
The self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie is on trial for the so-called 'Shakahola Forest Massacre' and has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. He allegedly advised his followers that they would reach heaven faster if they stopped eating, sparking deep concerns about his continued influence over his followers from jail. Ms. Odour expressed her worries as she reflects on the significant changes in her husband’s beliefs leading up to the tragedy. It had been a painful struggle as their belief systems clashed, especially regarding education and healthcare for their six children.
The ominous turn of events began when her husband took the boys away from home without further contact. After conducting a search, she learned of her husband's death during a raid linked to cult activities. The government has since commenced legislative discussions to address issues of religious extremism and safeguard against further tragedies. Ms. Odour's wait continues; she yearns to know the fate of her beloved sons, reflecting upon the joy they brought to her life amidst this agony.
