Eastern Kenya has been shaken by a disturbing discovery as an investigation into a cult has led to the exhumation of 21 bodies believed to be followers who starved themselves to death. The inquiry began after the arrest of Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who led the Good News International Church and reportedly instructed his followers to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus”. Shockingly, at least three children were among the victims.
Nthenge turned himself in to the police last month and was charged after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents. He was released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings. However, on 15 April, police discovered the bodies of four followers whom Nthenge had reportedly instructed to starve themselves. This discovery led to a wider search in the Shakahola forest outside the coastal town of Malindi, where the cult was believed to have been active.
On Saturday, officials reported that the exhumations had resulted in 21 bodies being recovered. “We have not even scratched the surface which gives a clear indication that we are likely to get more bodies by the end of this exercise,” said a police source on condition of anonymity.
Another police source confirmed the same toll, also on condition of anonymity. At least one source reported that there were likely to be more bodies yet to be discovered. Eleven other followers of the church, the youngest aged 17, were rescued on 14 April and taken to hospital, three of them in critical condition.
The investigation has highlighted the dangers of cults, particularly those which encourage followers to harm themselves or others. Cults are known to use a range of tactics to manipulate and control their members, often exploiting their vulnerabilities and offering a sense of belonging or purpose. In extreme cases, this can lead to self-harm, suicide, or violence against others.
According to the National Cult Awareness Network, cults often use mind control techniques, such as isolation, sleep deprivation, and food restriction, to break down a person’s sense of self and replace it with a new identity as a member of the cult. This can make it difficult for individuals to leave, as they may fear losing their support network or even their sense of self.
The Good News International Church appears to have used similar techniques to control its members. In addition to instructing them to starve themselves, Nthenge is reported to have brainwashed his followers into believing that he was a prophet and that they would meet Jesus if they followed his teachings.
The cult’s activities were brought to the attention of the authorities after the deaths of two children who had been starved by their parents.
Nthenge was subsequently arrested and charged, but it was not until the discovery of further bodies that the full extent of the cult’s activities became apparent.
The case has highlighted the importance of vigilance when it comes to cults and other organizations that may pose a danger to their members. Cults often operate in secret and can be difficult to detect, especially if their activities take place in isolated areas or online. It is important to be aware of the signs of cult involvement, such as sudden changes in behaviour or isolation from friends and family.
The discovery of the Good News International Church’s deadly activities serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by cults and the need to stay vigilant. Such groups often use manipulative tactics to lure in vulnerable individuals and then isolate them from the rest of society. Once members are under their control, they are subjected to extreme ideologies that can lead to self-harm, suicide, or even violence against others.
Cults operate in secrecy, making them difficult to detect, especially if their activities take place in isolated areas or online. They often prey on those seeking a sense of belonging or purpose and use tactics such as sleep deprivation, food restriction, and isolation to break down individuals’ sense of self and replace it with a new identity as a member of the cult.
