[PHOTOS] Detectives exhume bodies of Shakahola cult victims

In Summary

DCI boss Mohamed Amin and IG Japhet Koome visited the 800-acre land on Monday to oversee the process.
"Two teams are on the ground, one exhuming the bodies as another team combs the forest to try and rescue more people," Koome said.

by SHARON MWENDE

24 April 2023 - 20:40

DCI Homicide and Forensic units exhume bodies of the Shakahola cult victims on Monday, April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations and National Police Service on Monday exhumed at least 20 bodies from multiple graves at Shakahola in Kilifi County.

The deaths of the victims are linked to the radical teachings of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church.

He reportedly told them to starve themselves to death for a chance to ascend to heaven.

The exhumation is part of ongoing investigations into his involvement in the deaths.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin with NPS IG Japhet Koome and officers at the Shakahola land in Kilifi County in April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

The total number of bodies exhumed so far is 73.

Out of the 20 bodies exhumed on Monday, six were found in one grave.

DCI boss Mohamed Amin and IG Japhet Koome visited the 800-acre land on Monday to oversee the process.

"Two teams are on the ground, one exhuming the bodies as another team combs the forest to try and rescue more people," Koome said.

Earlier, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declared the Shakahola forest a crime scene.

Body bags at Shakahola cult site in Kilifi County on April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

DCI boss Mohamed Amin with NPS IG Japhet Koome and officers at the Shakahola land in Kilifi County in April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

IG of Police Japhet Koome with officers during exhumation of bodies in Shakahola cult site in Kilifi County on April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

DCI Homicide and Forensic units exhume bodies of the Shakahola cult victims on Monday, April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

IG of Police Japhet Koome with officers during exhumation of bodies in Shakahola cult site in Kilifi County on April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

DCI Homicide and Forensic units exhume bodies of the Shakahola cult victims on Monday, April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI

DCI boss Mohamed Amin, NPS IG Japhet Koome, the DCI Director Homicide and officers at the Shakahola land in Kilifi County on April 24,2023.
Image: CYRUS OMBATI