Kenya: 300 bodies retrieved from mass graves after cult leader encourages followers to starve and gain salvation

Over 300 bodies have been reportedly retrieved from mass graves after a cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie was accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves in order to gain salvation. He was arrested in April and in May, he appeared in front of the court.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who is also the founder of the Good News International Church, is accused of encouraging his followers to starve to death “to meet Jesus”.

Two months ago, the police in Kenya had started examining the bodies found in the Shakahola forest in the country's southeast. On Tuesday, at least 19 more bodies were exhumed which has mounted teh death toll, reportedly through starvation, to 303. Media reports have also stated that the number of casualties is expected to increase as Kenyan authorities have planned even more exhumations.


It is to note that over 600 people are still reported to be missing and investigators are now increasing their search area. Just earlier this month, Kenya’s interior ministry revealed that 109 bodies were retrieved from Shakahola with most of them being reportedly children.

While the number of bodies retrieved from graves are increasing, Mackenzie's lawyer, George Kariuki said that the pastor “eats and drinks” and was “healthy” and dismissed the reports that he was refusing to eat. According to local media reports, Kariuki said that Mackenzie could face “possible terrorism charges” along with other charges of murder, kidnapping and cruelty towards children.

FAQs:

What are the charges faced by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie?
According to local media reports, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie’s lawyer, George Kariuki has said that Mackenzie could face “possible terrorism charges”. In addition to the other charges of murder, kidnapping and cruelty towards children.

Who is Paul Nthenge Mackenzie?
Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, is also the founder of the Good News International Church. He is accused of encouraging his followers to starve to death “to meet Jesus”.