MALINDI, Kenya: Kenyan authorities are set to release the bodies of individuals associated with a doomsday starvation cult, marking a significant development in a case that has captivated the nation and the world.
The remains, identified through painstaking DNA analysis, are among the hundreds exhumed from shallow mass graves discovered last year in the remote Shakahola forest near Malindi. Allegedly incited by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, followers of the cult starved themselves to “meet Jesus” in what has been termed the “Shakahola forest massacre.”
While many deaths were attributed to starvation, autopsies revealed signs of violence, including asphyxiation, strangulation, or bludgeoning, raising questions about the circumstances of their demise.
Families of the victims, who have endured a prolonged wait for closure, will finally be able to lay their loved ones to rest. However, the process has been marred by delays in DNA profiling and accusations of government negligence in handling the case.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has criticized authorities for the slow progress, citing violations of cultural rights and the need for timely closure for affected families.
As Kenyan authorities prepare to release the bodies, families continue to grapple with the emotional and financial burdens of organizing funerals for their loved ones, underscoring the enduring impact of the tragic events in the Shakahola forest.
