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After new bodies were found, the death toll from an extreme sectarian sect in Kenya has risen to 179. Investigators on Friday found 29 more bodies in the large forested area near the coastal town of Malindi in the south of the country, regional government official Rhoda Onyancha said. No survivors were found in the recent search, Onyancha added.
Last month, mass graves of suspected followers of the Christian sect International Church of the Good News were discovered in the wooded area. According to previous studies, most of the victims died of starvation ordered by cult leader Paul M.* “to meet Jesus”. However, some victims were also strangled, beaten to death or suffocated. Among them were several children.
Cult leader remains in custody
Heavy rainfall had halted the ongoing search for the past week until it could resume on Tuesday. Dozens of survivors have also been rescued during the search, which has been underway since mid-April.
According to Onyancha, 25 people are currently in police custody in connection with the “Shakahola Forest Massacre”, including cult leader Mackenzie. A court ruled on Wednesday that Mackenzie should initially be detained for another three weeks due to the ongoing investigation.
On Monday it was announced that organs had been removed from some of the victims. Researchers assume a “well-organized organ trade” involving “multiple actors”. (AFP)
* Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
