NAIROBI: The death toll in a shocking case involving a Kenyan cult that practiced starvation to “meet Jesus Christ” has surpassed 400, with authorities discovering 12 additional bodies on Monday, according to senior official Rhoda Onyancha.
The investigation centers around the cult leader, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who allegedly encouraged his followers to starve themselves to death. The bodies were found during exhumations in the Shakahola forest, where the first victims were discovered on April 13.
The total death toll now stands at 403, with autopsies conducted by the government indicating that starvation was the primary cause of death. However, some victims, including children, showed signs of being strangled, beaten, or suffocated. The search for more graves in the forest is ongoing, with authorities planning to continue exhumations in the coming days.
Investigations into Kenyan Starvation Cult Case
Mackenzie, a former taxi driver who transformed into a preacher, has been in police custody since mid-April. On July 3, a court in Mombasa extended his detention for an additional month as investigations continue. State prosecutors have mentioned that he may face charges related to terrorism or genocide, although he has not yet been required to enter a plea.
Concerns have been raised regarding how Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor and a father of seven, managed to evade law enforcement despite a history of extremism and prior legal cases. Authorities are now investigating how he operated and attracted followers to his cult, which led to such a devastating loss of life.
The case has shocked the nation, highlighting the dangers of cults and the need for greater vigilance in identifying and addressing such extreme and harmful ideologies. The investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and proactive measures to prevent the exploitation and manipulation of vulnerable individuals.
