As part of investigations into a cult leader in Kenya 21 bodies have been unearthed in a forest since Friday. The dead were found in the forest of Shakahola, in the east of the country, the AFP news agency reported in police circles on Saturday. But this is just the beginning of the search, and “more bodies” can be expected.
At least three children were among the dead found so far, according to a police source. The remains of four followers of the so-called International Church of Good News had already been found in recent weeks.
➤ More World Chronicle reports can be found here
call to hunger
Its leader, Makenzie Nthenge, urged cult members to starve themselves to “find Jesus”. Eleven cultists – seven men and four women aged between 17 and 49 – were hospitalized following a rescue operation in Shakahola Forest last week.
Police speak of “brainwashing”
A police report seen by AFP said Nthenge had “brainwashed” cult members to starve to death. The sect leader turned himself in to the police on April 15 and was taken into custody. A police source said the suspect was on a hunger strike. He “prays and fasts,” he said.
According to local media, six Nthenge supporters were also arrested. The cult leader was reportedly arrested last month after two children starved to death in their parents’ care. However, he was released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan Shillings (about 670 euros).