Recent investigations have unveiled nine new bodies in Kenya's Shakahola Forest, a site already notorious for a mass fatality case involving cult followers. The area, close to Malindi, has been the center of a gruesome probe into the practices of self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie, who allegedly preached starvation as a pathway to salvation. Following alarming reports of missing children last July, authorities ordered a search that uncovered these fresh graves.
Notably, the previously discovered mass grave site in 2023 revealed over 400 fatalities and raised urgent questions about the cult's ongoing influence, prompting arrests of multiple individuals connected to Mackenzie. Claims about Mackenzie allegedly contacting his followers from prison have intensified concerns regarding a potential resurgence of this dangerous group.
Upon the recent exhumation in Kwa Binzaro village, five bodies were unearthed on one day, followed by four more the next. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge highlighted the vast area yet to be searched, suggesting more victims may still lie hidden. Additional exhumations are projected in the coming days.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, present during the excavations, detailed ominous signs of foul play at one site, where disturbed earth indicated the possible removal of remains just before the search took place. Khalid noted that only remnants of clothing were found, spurring fears that missing individuals could be women and children.
The investigation's progress raises profound concerns about the grim fate of followers of Mackenzie who had previously adhered to extreme religious beliefs promoting starvation as a means of spiritual advancement. As authorities continue their efforts, public calls have been made for families to report missing loved ones, emphasizing the urgency as more potential graves await examination.
Notably, the previously discovered mass grave site in 2023 revealed over 400 fatalities and raised urgent questions about the cult's ongoing influence, prompting arrests of multiple individuals connected to Mackenzie. Claims about Mackenzie allegedly contacting his followers from prison have intensified concerns regarding a potential resurgence of this dangerous group.
Upon the recent exhumation in Kwa Binzaro village, five bodies were unearthed on one day, followed by four more the next. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge highlighted the vast area yet to be searched, suggesting more victims may still lie hidden. Additional exhumations are projected in the coming days.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, present during the excavations, detailed ominous signs of foul play at one site, where disturbed earth indicated the possible removal of remains just before the search took place. Khalid noted that only remnants of clothing were found, spurring fears that missing individuals could be women and children.
The investigation's progress raises profound concerns about the grim fate of followers of Mackenzie who had previously adhered to extreme religious beliefs promoting starvation as a means of spiritual advancement. As authorities continue their efforts, public calls have been made for families to report missing loved ones, emphasizing the urgency as more potential graves await examination.
