Death Toll Rises to Over 400 in Kenya Starvation Cult Case as Dozen Bodies Discovered in New Mass Graves
NAIROBI, Kenya
The death toll in Kenya linked to a starvation cult has exceeded 400 as authorities unearthed additional bodies from 40 recently discovered mass graves. Coast area police chief Rhoda Onyancha revealed the grim news during a press briefing held at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital command center.
With the discovery of a dozen more bodies, the death toll now stands at a staggering 403. Authorities have been engaged in an intensive investigation into the cult and its leader, Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who heads the Good News International Church in Kenya.
The investigation into the Shakahola cult has been ongoing since mid-April, leading to the shocking revelation of hundreds of corpses hidden in the dense Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County. Pastor Paul Mackenzie stands accused of manipulating his followers into self-starvation, promising them immediate passage to heaven prior to an impending apocalypse.
Among the 37 individuals arrested in connection with the mass murders is Joyce Mwikamba, the wife of the cult leader. The arrest of these individuals marks a significant step in the efforts to bring justice to the victims and hold the responsible parties accountable.
During the exhumation process, homicide detectives have been meticulously collecting 258 DNA samples from the site. The investigations have uncovered distressing evidence suggesting the potential involvement of human organ trafficking. Some victims were found with missing organs, raising suspicions of illicit organ trade within the cult’s operations.
Authorities are working diligently to unravel the full extent of the cult’s activities and ensure that all those involved face appropriate legal consequences. The discovery of these mass graves and the increasing death toll highlight the urgency of addressing such heinous crimes and providing support to the affected families and communities.
The Kenyan government, along with law enforcement agencies, remains committed to bringing justice to the victims and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the dangers of cults and to provide education and support to vulnerable individuals who may be susceptible to manipulation and coercion.
