Detectives are actively combing through extensive areas surrounding Shakahola Forest after discovering nine bodies in newly excavated graves, tied to a cult infamous for promoting starvation. This horrific saga began to unfold in 2023 when over 400 bodies linked to the group were unearthed in this isolated region close to Malindi, illustrating one of the deadliest incidents involving cult mass fatalities in recent history.
Those exhumed are believed to have been adherents of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, accused of leading followers to voluntarily starve themselves to death. The recent exhumations were prompted in July following the alarming reports of missing children, prompting a renewed investigation into the cult's activities. Authorities have arrested 11 individuals connected to the case, including three who were previously aligned with Mackenzie during the devastating Shakahola incidents.
These latest finds have raised serious concerns that the cult’s influence may persist. Earlier in April, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen warned that Mackenzie was allegedly maintaining communication with his followers even from prison through a contraband mobile phone. Mackenzie, who has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges, purportedly claimed that fasting would expedite their path to heaven.
As the probe continues, a court in Mombasa recently postponed Mackenzie's trial due to the emergence of new evidence. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge noted that recent exhumations in Kwa Binzaro village led to the discovery of five bodies on Thursday and four more the following day. "The area is vast, and we anticipate finding more remains," Njoroge shared.
Families of the missing are urged to contact Malindi District Hospital, where Red Cross assistance is available for DNA sample collection to aid in identification. This latest wave of exhumations is set to resume on Monday, with 18 more graves anticipated for excavation.
Earlier statements from Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that those buried might have perished from extreme religious practices involving starvation and suffocation. Human rights advocate Hussein Khalid, who witnessed the exhumations, noted that while initial discoveries showed signs of recent interment, others were in a more advanced state of decay. He pointed out unsettling signs at a grave indicating possible foul play, stressing that remaining clothing items hinted at the possibility that mothers and children were among the buried.
This ongoing story of exploitation and tragedy continues to captivate and horrify, with many looking for answers and justice in the wake of the terrible revelations from Shakahola Forest.
