Shakahola death toll at 251 as 9 more bodies exhumed

Detectives recovered nine more bodies from the 800-acre forest.

In Summary
  • Some 613 people believed to be followers of the main Shakahola cult suspect Paul Mackenzie have been reported missing. 
  • Mackenzie, who is also the Good News International Church preacher is believed to have brainwashed his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus. 
Detectives from the Homicide Unit and forensic experts retrieve bodies in Shakahola.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit and forensic experts retrieve bodies in Shakahola.
Image: HANDOUT

The death toll at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County has risen to 251, as the third phase of exhumation began.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said they recovered nine more bodies during Tuesday's exercise.

The multi-agency officers have rescued 95 persons so far, 19 of who have been identified by their families.

The number of DNA samples collected is 93.

Some 613 people believed to be followers of the main Shakahola cult suspect Paul Mackenzie have been reported missing. 

Mackenzie, who is also the Good News International Church preacher is believed to have brainwashed his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus. 

So far, 45 people linked to the cult deaths have been arrested. 

Speaking at the crime scene on Tuesday, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the team was not going to leave anyone in the forest.

"Security roads will be opened in every 100 acres of the Chakama Ranch to aid in methodical and scientific search and rescue efforts as well as identification of graves. We shall not leave any of our citizens in the forest, dead or alive," he said.

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