- The Guardian
Kenya – The death count in an investigation linked to a Kenyan cult has surpassed 400 people after 12 more bodies were found on Monday, a senior official said.
Speaking at the Press Conference at Kilifi Regional Referral Hospital command center, Coast Province police chief Rhoda Onyancha revealed that dozens of bodies have been exhumed bringing the total number to 403.
Authorities continue to investigate the teachings and its leader, Pastor Paul Mackenzie who heads the Good News International Church in Kenya.
The investigation into the Shakahola teachings has been ongoing since mid-April which led to the discovery of hundreds of bodies in the Shakahola Forest in Kilifi region.
Ilustrasi - Peta Republik Kenya melalui kaca pembesar. ANTARA.Shutterstock/pri.
- ANTARA.Shutterstock
Pastor Paul Mackenzie is accused of forcing his followers to end their lives with hunger strikes so that they could enter heaven before the apocalypse. A total of 37 people, including Mackenzie's wife Joyce Mwikamba, were arrested in connection with the massacre.
Onyancha revealed that since the excavation process began, authorities have collected 258 DNA samples from the excavation site.
The investigation has uncovered disturbing information indicating the possible involvement of human organ trafficking, as some of the victims found had missing organs.
This strengthens the suspicion of illegal organ trafficking in connection with the teachings, police said.
