Kenya ‘hunger cult’ dying toll rises to not less than 89 after extra our bodies dug up

The variety of victims of a suspected hunger cult has risen to not less than 89 after extra our bodies had been dug up in a Kenyan forest.

Most of the useless had been present in shallow single and mass graves, whereas just a few had been discovered emaciated however later died.

There are fears the dying toll may rise additional because the native Red Cross mentioned greater than 200 individuals had been reported lacking.

Forensic groups have been scouring an 800-acre web site the place the Good News International Church was based mostly, with physique baggage being carried away from the Shakahola forest, in japanese Kenya.

Pictures present mud huts with palm-thatched roofs scattered among the many timber and foliage.

The church’s alleged chief, pastor Paul Mackenzie, is in custody and is accused of telling individuals to starve themselves to go to heaven.

He has denied any wrongdoing and Kenyan media reported he was refusing meals and water.

Mackenzie was arrested on 14 April when the location in Kilifi county was raided after a tip-off. Fourteen different cult members are additionally being held.

Interior minister Kithure Kindiki mentioned one other 16 our bodies had been exhumed on Tuesday, taking the variety of useless to 89.

Three extra individuals had been rescued alive – bringing that complete to 34 – however some cult members fled when authorities arrived.

Most of these rescued had been unable to stroll or discuss.

“We pray that God will help them to go through the trauma, to help them recover and tell the story of how one time a fellow Kenyan, a fellow human, decided to hurt so many people, heartlessly, hiding under the Holy Scriptures,” mentioned the inside minister.

Post-mortem examinations on the our bodies are attributable to begin on Thursday.

Kenya’s public prosecutions workplace mentioned it was taking a look at potential costs together with homicide, radicalisation and threatening public security.