A harrowing tragedy unfolds in Kenya as the death toll associated with a Kenyan cult led by a self-proclaimed pastor, who allegedly instructed his followers to undergo starvation in order to ascend to heaven, has exceeded 300. Authorities anticipate the figure to rise with planned additional exhumations.
Officials revealed that the deceased were part of the Good News International Church, under the leadership of Paul Mackenzie. Mackenzie is charged with directing his followers, including children, to starve to death with the belief that this would expedite their entry into heaven before an impending apocalypse.
The death count currently stands at 303, after the recovery of 19 additional bodies from mass graves within the Shakahola forest, located in southeastern Kenya. This was the place where Mackenzie the Kenyan cult leader and his congregation had been residing.
Rhoda Onyancha, a regional authority, has reported that over 600 individuals remain unaccounted for. The search for victims was broadened last week, encompassing a larger area within the region. Additionally, 65 individuals who had been rescued were charged with attempted suicide following their refusal to consume food between 6th and 10th June while housed at a rescue centre, as reported by local media.
Kithure Kindiki, Kenya’s Interior Minister, expressed alarm last month regarding some of Mackenzie’s rescued followers continuing to abstain from food. One such individual has already passed away due to this, he confirmed.
Kenyan cult leader
Mackenzie, who turned himself into the police in April, was denied bail last month. He has not been asked to enter a plea as of yet.
His arrest was initially in relation to suspicions surrounding the deaths of two children, allegedly due to starvation and suffocation earlier this year, but he was later released. Subsequent to his release, family members of his followers assert that he returned to the forest and accelerated his prophecy for the end of the world from August to 15th April.
Mackenzie is scheduled for a court appearance later this week, while the police have been granted additional time to keep him in custody as investigations continue.
This horrifying episode has shocked the nation and cast a spotlight on the devastating impact of cults and the importance of vigilance and early intervention in such cases.
Image Credit: AP
