Following alarming reports of continued cult activity, detectives have uncovered nine bodies in the vicinity of Shakahola Forest, linked to the starvation cult led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie. The investigation, which has already seen over 400 bodies uncovered, raises fears that the cult may still be operational despite previous arrests.
Disturbing Discovery: Bodies Unearthed in Connection to Kenya's Starvation Cult
Disturbing Discovery: Bodies Unearthed in Connection to Kenya's Starvation Cult
Nine new bodies have been exhumed from graves linked to the infamous cult, escalating the ongoing investigation into mass deaths.
Fresh searches near the notorious Shakahola Forest in Kenya have led to the exhumation of nine bodies believed to be linked to a starvation cult that garnered global attention earlier this year. This disturbing development is part of a broader investigation following a mass unearthing of over 400 bodies believed to belong to followers of Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor accused of leading his adherents to starve themselves in pursuit of a misguided religious promise.
The recent exhumations come after a renewed investigation was launched due to the disappearance of several children connected to the cult. Prosecutors confirmed that 11 individuals have been arrested in relation to the case, including three who were congregants at the time of the Shakahola mass deaths.
Reports had previously emerged suggesting that Mackenzie was still in contact with his followers from prison, potentially fueling ongoing cult activities. Mackenzie, who faces manslaughter charges and has pleaded not guilty, allegedly preached that abstaining from food would expedite their passage to heaven.
During the latest searches, five bodies were unearthed on Thursday, followed by four additional finds the next day in a village close to the infamous forest. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge indicated that the search area is extensive, hinting that the body count may rise as more gravesites are explored.
In light of this situation, authorities are appealing for information from the public regarding any missing persons potentially linked to this case. Local hospitals are also set up to collect DNA samples from relatives of the presumed victims.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who observed the exhumation, noted the chilling aura surrounding the gravesites. Preliminary findings revealed that one body seemed to have been buried quite recently while others were in an advanced state of decomposition. Notably troubling were signs indicating possible foul play, including pieces of children’s and women's clothing that remained at one grave, suggesting the likelihood of female and child victims.
As the investigation deepens, concerns about the overarching impact of the teachings promoted by the cult and the final fates of its followers continue to disturb both the local and international communities. Further excavation efforts are set to take place, with authorities hopeful for more answers regarding this tragic national crisis.
