The Kenyan police has exhumed 21 bodies from secret graves while investigating the leader of a Christian sect, Good News International Church, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who allegedly told his followers they would go to heaven and meet with Jesus if they starved themselves to death.
According to the police, the bodies were exhumed in mass graves in the Shakahola Forest of Kilifi county of the eastern African country on Saturday, with the belief that more bodies will be exhumed.
The leader of the police team, Detective Charles Kamau told journalists that 15 followers of Mackenzie who had been undergoing the marathon fasting were rescued and taken to hospital while four died before they reached hospital.
“In total since yesterday, we have 21 bodies. We have not even scratched the surface which gives a clear indication that we are likely to get more bodies by the end of this exercise,” Kamau said.
The raid was carried out following the death of 11 members of the sect on April 14 after they were allegedly told by Mackenzie that the only way they would meet with Jesus was for them to embark on the fast.
“Police raided the forest after receiving information of the deaths on ignorant citizens starving to death under the pretext of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed by Nthenge.
“This pastor will have to face all these charges even though he has gone on a hunger strike saying that he is praying and fasting in custody,” he said.
Mackenzie was arrested on April 15 after the discovery of the bodies and the case is due to be heard in court on May 2.
In March, Mackenzie, a controversial cult figure, was arrested for encouraging the parents of two boys to starve and suffocate their children to death.
During a court appearance in the case, Mackenzie said he was unaware of the events that led to the deaths of the two boys, claiming he was the target of hostile propaganda from some of his former colleagues who were jealous and envious of his success and growth.