Detectives on Friday exhumed 29 more bodies from the 800-acre Shakahola forest where followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie are believed to have been buried.
The bodies were exhumed from 12 graves within the Shakahola Forest.
Coast Regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha confirmed that so far the death toll has reached 179.
During her daily briefing at the Shakahola command centre, Onyancha said 609 people have so far been reported missing.
She said the operation to rescue the followers is still going ongoing.
The regional commissioner added that exhumation will continue to ensure all bodies buried in the forest are recovered.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church is at the centre of the controversy where he has been accused of brainwashing his followers to starve to death in the belief that they will meet Jesus.
The court on Wednesday remanded him in custody for 30 more days as investigations continue.
Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda detained Mackenzie alongside his wife Rhoda Maweu and 16 other suspects.
He denied them bond citing ongoing investigations and suspects' safety and security which he said might be at risk if released at this stage.
