Shakahola cult: Death toll rises to 226, one person rescued

The number of arrested persons remains at 31.

In Summary
  • The Good News International Church preacher is believed to have advised his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus. 
  • Those reported missing at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital tracing centre remain at 610. 
Homicide detectives exhume bodies in Shakahola forest
Homicide detectives exhume bodies in Shakahola forest
Image: FILE

The death toll at Shakahola Forest has risen to 226, following the recovery of 15 more bodies on Wednesday.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said 14 of the bodies were exhumed from the shallow graves at the site, while one was found in the bushes.

The number of those rescued now stands at 85.

The dead are believed to be followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie.

The number of arrested persons remains at 31. They are suspected to link to the radical teachings of Mackenzie.

The Good News International Church preacher is believed to have advised his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus. 

Those reported missing at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital tracing centre remain at 610. 

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star