2023-04-23 02:34:06
The investigation into the deaths of followers of a sect whose leader is said to have said to fast to “meet Jesus” is now synonymous with tragedy in Kenya. In the east of the country, 21 bodies have been exhumed since Friday, two police sources said on Saturday. One of the two also mentioned the presence of at least three children among the victims.
The gruesome discoveries were made in the Shakahola Forest. “We have barely touched the surface (of the earth), which clearly indicates that we will have more bodies” at the end of the search, said a police source who requested anonymity.
Eleven faithful hospitalized
The remains of four followers of the Good News International Church led by Makenzie Nthenge had already been found last week by the authorities. Investigators searched the area due to reports of a possible mass grave. Eleven other devotees, seven men and four women aged 17 to 49, were hospitalized last week after being rescued from Shakahola Forest.
The leader of the sect, Makenzie Nthenge, surrendered to the police on April 15, before being taken into custody. A police source said he had gone on a hunger strike and was “praying and fasting” in detention. According to local media, six devotees of Makenzie Nthenge were also arrested. The case is due to go to court on May 2.
Makenzie Nthenge already arrested then released on bail
In a report, police said they had received reports of people “starving to death under the guise of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect, Makenzie Nthenge, pastor of the International Church of Good News”. According to local media, Makenzie Nthenge was arrested and charged last month after two children died of starvation in the care of their parents. He was then released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings (about 670 euros).
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