The exhumation of these bodies was made as part of an investigation into the death of followers of a sect. Their leader would have told them to fast to “meet Jesus”.
Twenty-six new bodies were exhumed in eastern Kenya on Sunday, bringing to 47 the number of remains discovered since Friday by police in an investigation into the deaths of followers of a cult whose leader is said to have been told to fast for “meet Jesus,” police said.
“Today we have exhumed 26 bodies, bringing the total number to 47,” said Charles Kamau, Malindi sub-county criminal investigation chief (east), adding that the search is continuing to find any. other bodies.
Men dressed in white overalls and masks continue to dig the ocher earth in search of other bodies. Several bodies were wrapped in blue tarpaulins.
Other worshipers rescued and hospitalized
The remains of four followers of the International Church of Good News (Good News International Church) led by Makenzie Nthenge had already been found last week by the authorities.
Investigators searched the area due to reports of a possible mass grave. Several followers of the International Church of Good News are still hiding in the forest of Shakahola.
A faithful was found this Sunday by the authorities. The woman, her eyes bulging, refused to eat before being taken to an ambulance. Eleven other worshippers, seven men and four women aged between 17 and 49, were hospitalized last week after being rescued from the forest.
Cult leader taken into custody
The leader of the sect, Makenzie Nthenge, surrendered to the police on April 15, before being taken into custody. According to local media, six devotees of Makenzie Nthenge were also arrested.
The case is due to go to court on May 2. In a report, police said they had received reports of people “starving to death under the guise of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect, Makenzie Nthenge, pastor of the International Church of Good News”.
According to local media, Makenzie Nthenge was arrested and charged last month after two children died of starvation in the care of their parents. He was then released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings (about 670 euros).
