Five bodies exhumed in Kenya amid fears starvation cult remains active

Five bodies have been exhumed from fresh graves suspected to be linked to Kenya’s notorious starvation cult.

In one of the worst ever cases of cult-related mass deaths, more than 400 bodies were found in 2023 in the remote Shakahola Forest, inland from the coastal town of Malindi.

The BBC reports that it was believed they were followers of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is alleged to have encouraged them to starve themselves to death.

These exhumations were ordered in July after the disappearance of some children triggered a new probe.

Prosecutors said 11 people had been arrested in connection with the case, including three who were followers of Mackenzie at the time of “Shakahola Forest Massacre”.

The latest discoveries seem to confirm fears raised by the government earlier in the year that the cult might still be active.

In April, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said there were allegations that Mackenzie was actively communicating with his followers from jail – using a mobile phone.

Mackenzie, who was arrested last year and pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, allegedly told his followers they would get to heaven more quickly if they stopped eating.

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