At least 58 dead linked to Jesus starvation cult in Kenya

A Christian sect in Kenya has killed at least 58 people. The police in the East African country announced this on Monday.

According to these reports, eleven other bodies have been discovered since the previous day alone in a forest area in the south of the country, not far from the coastal town of Malindi. Forensic scientists and rescuers continued to search for bodies and survivors.

Authorities in Malindi received a tip about a week and a half ago that followers of a local pastor were dying of starvation in the wooded area hoping to “meet Jesus.” The next day, police found 15 people starving in a remote settlement in a forest called Shakahola, 6 of whom were in critical condition. Four of them died during the rescue efforts, according to police. Following leads, the police began combing the vast forest area in search of mass graves.

A free church pastor from Malindi, who is said to be the owner of the forest, was arrested as the leader of the sect. He has been in custody since Monday last week. (oee/sda/dpa)