Nine bodies linked to the starvation cult in Kenya have been discovered during an ongoing investigation, raising fears of more victims.
Authorities have uncovered nine bodies in new graves believed to be associated with a disturbing starvation cult in Kenya. This troubling development follows the revelation of more than 400 bodies found earlier this year in the Shakahola Forest, a known burial site for the followers of the self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie.
The cult has been under scrutiny since Mackenzie allegedly instructed his followers to starve to death for a promised quicker passage to heaven. The situation prompted a new investigation after some children went missing, leading to the exhumation orders issued earlier in July.
As of now, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection to the mass fatalities. This includes three followers of Mackenzie during the “Shakahola Forest Massacre." Evidence emerged suggesting that Mackenzie, despite his incarceration, has been potentially communicating with remaining followers using a mobile device.
The latest series of exhumations resulted in the discovery of five bodies on Thursday and four more on Friday in Kwa Binzaro village, with further searches likely to uncover additional remains. Richard Njoroge, a government pathologist, indicated the extensive area still has unsearched sites, calling for public assistance from anyone missing loved ones.
In July, officials noted that the deceased might have been victims of extreme religious ideologies that led them to suffer starvation and suffocation. Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who observed the exhumations, spoke hauntingly about the first grave discovered, which was seemingly disturbed recently, suggesting foul play and potential targeting of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.
The expletory nature of this investigation underscores the desperate need for community safety and mental health support, as well as continued legal measures to bring justice and closure to affected families. More exhumations are scheduled to take place on Monday, as authorities push for clarity on this ongoing tragic chapter in Kenya’s history.
Authorities have uncovered nine bodies in new graves believed to be associated with a disturbing starvation cult in Kenya. This troubling development follows the revelation of more than 400 bodies found earlier this year in the Shakahola Forest, a known burial site for the followers of the self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie.
The cult has been under scrutiny since Mackenzie allegedly instructed his followers to starve to death for a promised quicker passage to heaven. The situation prompted a new investigation after some children went missing, leading to the exhumation orders issued earlier in July.
As of now, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection to the mass fatalities. This includes three followers of Mackenzie during the “Shakahola Forest Massacre." Evidence emerged suggesting that Mackenzie, despite his incarceration, has been potentially communicating with remaining followers using a mobile device.
The latest series of exhumations resulted in the discovery of five bodies on Thursday and four more on Friday in Kwa Binzaro village, with further searches likely to uncover additional remains. Richard Njoroge, a government pathologist, indicated the extensive area still has unsearched sites, calling for public assistance from anyone missing loved ones.
In July, officials noted that the deceased might have been victims of extreme religious ideologies that led them to suffer starvation and suffocation. Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who observed the exhumations, spoke hauntingly about the first grave discovered, which was seemingly disturbed recently, suggesting foul play and potential targeting of vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children.
The expletory nature of this investigation underscores the desperate need for community safety and mental health support, as well as continued legal measures to bring justice and closure to affected families. More exhumations are scheduled to take place on Monday, as authorities push for clarity on this ongoing tragic chapter in Kenya’s history.
