The latest exhumations began in July, spurred by the unsettling disappearances of children, which reignited investigations. Prosecutors have since apprehended 11 individuals, including several affiliates of Mackenzie during the infamous "Shakahola Forest Massacre." These recent findings underscore fears initially voiced by the government regarding Mackenzie’s continued influence; reports have emerged suggesting he was communicating with followers from prison.
Mackenzie, having pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, allegedly assured his congregation that avoiding food would expedite their passage to heaven. A court in Mombasa has recently postponed his ongoing trial due to newly surfaced evidence.
During the exhumations, five bodies were uncovered first at Kwa Binzaro village and four the following day. Pathologist Richard Njoroge indicated the vast area still warrants thorough search efforts, with expectations of finding more corpses, prompting appeals for families of missing persons to seek assistance at Malindi District Hospital.
Authorities previously reported that victims had likely been subjected to starvation and suffocation stemming from extreme religious beliefs. Hussein Khalid, a human rights advocate, noted troubling signs at the exhumation sites, suggesting potential foul play, as one grave lacked remains despite signs of recent disturbances.
The chilling nature of this case continues to unfold, as investigations proceed into the disturbing events surrounding Kenya's starvation cult.
Mackenzie, having pleaded not guilty to manslaughter, allegedly assured his congregation that avoiding food would expedite their passage to heaven. A court in Mombasa has recently postponed his ongoing trial due to newly surfaced evidence.
During the exhumations, five bodies were uncovered first at Kwa Binzaro village and four the following day. Pathologist Richard Njoroge indicated the vast area still warrants thorough search efforts, with expectations of finding more corpses, prompting appeals for families of missing persons to seek assistance at Malindi District Hospital.
Authorities previously reported that victims had likely been subjected to starvation and suffocation stemming from extreme religious beliefs. Hussein Khalid, a human rights advocate, noted troubling signs at the exhumation sites, suggesting potential foul play, as one grave lacked remains despite signs of recent disturbances.
The chilling nature of this case continues to unfold, as investigations proceed into the disturbing events surrounding Kenya's starvation cult.
