10 more bodies found in investigation into Kenya starvation cult, raising death toll to 284

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Investigators in Kenya exhumed 10 more bodies on Monday from mass graves in a forest linked to a religious cult whose followers were allegedly told to starve themselves to get to heaven, raising the death toll to 284.

The latest figure was given in a police report released to the media.

However, the focus has shifted to those rescued from the site in Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, who now face charges of attempted suicide.

In a court appearance on Monday where all 65 were present, the prosecution sought their remand in prison, where they will be closely monitored and forced to consume their meals.

"Sixty-five people rescued from Shakahola Forest in Kilifi have been presented before a Shanzu court for attempting to kill themselves by absconding meals," said a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The prosecution, led by Jami Yamina, the Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel, said at the court that "it is in prison where the individuals will undergo a mental and medical assessment and be compelled to eat."

The approach aims to ensure their well-being and discourage further attempts at self-harm.

Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omido will rule on the prosecution's application on Thursday.

Hundreds of corpses have been found in Shakahola Forest since mid-April during investigations into a cult run by Paul Mackenzie, a pastor who leads Good News International Church.

He is accused of ordering his followers to starve themselves to death so they could go to heaven before the end of the world.

The investigations have revealed that some of the victims had their organs missing, which has led to suspicions of trafficking in human organs.