Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the cult leader behind one of the worst cult-related tragedies in the world, went on trial Monday (August 12) in Kenya. The self-proclaimed pastor is behind the death of nearly 450 people whose bodies were discovered in the&nbsp;Shakahola forest last year.

Speaking to AFP, prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina revealed that the cult leader is set to be charged under a Kenyan law dealing with suicide pacts.

"There has never been a manslaughter case like this in Kenya...This is going to be a very unique manslaughter case," said the prosecutor.

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<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:217,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1903}">Starvation cult</h2>

Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor, was the leader of a Kenyan starvation sect. He allegedly incited hundreds of his followers to starve to death in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;

Mackenzie set up the Good News International Church in 2003 but closed it in 2019. He then moved to the scene of the tragedy: Shakahola forest, to prepare for the end of the world, which he predicted would happen in August 2023.

He was arrested in April last year after several bodies of his followers were discovered in the Shakahola forest.&nbsp;

A thorough search of the forest that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi revealed 448 bodies over months.&nbsp;

Buried in mass graves, most of the nearly 450 victims died of hunger, revealed the autopsies. However, others, including children, appeared to have been strangled, beaten, or suffocated. Some even had their organs removed, revealed court documents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/secret-service-made-to-apologise-for-breaking-into-a-salon-using-restroom-749361">Secret Service apologizes for breaking into salon, using restroom during Kamala Harris event</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:548,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2234}">When will the trial end?</h2>

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor behind this tragedy that shocked Kenya and the world, will be on trial for four days. As per an AFP report, the hearing is scheduled to run till Thursday (Aug 15).&nbsp;

Prosecutors have prepared at least 420 witnesses.&nbsp;

"Due to the gravity of the case, we have prepared well," said prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina. Some witnesses will present testimonies in camera.

Suspects, including Mackenzie, face charges of terrorism over the Shakahola massacre. They also face separate cases of murder, child torture and cruelty relating to the deaths, which prosecutors say occurred over the years 2020 to 2023.

(With inputs from agencies)

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the cult leader behind one of the worst cult-related tragedies in the world, went on trial Monday (August 12) in Kenya. The self-proclaimed pastor is behind the death of nearly 450 people whose bodies were discovered in the Shakahola forest last year.

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the cult leader behind one of the worst cult-related tragedies in the world, went on trial Monday (August 12) in Kenya. The self-proclaimed pastor is behind the death of nearly 450 people whose bodies were discovered in the Shakahola forest last year. Speaking to AFP, prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina revealed that the cult leader is set to be charged under a Kenyan law dealing with suicide pacts. "There has never been a manslaughter case like this in Kenya...This is going to be a very unique manslaughter case," said the prosecutor. Also read | After navy warships, US orders submarine deployment in Middle East amid Israel-Iran war threat Starvation cult Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor, was the leader of a Kenyan starvation sect. He allegedly incited hundreds of his followers to starve to death in order to "meet Jesus". Mackenzie set up the Good News International Church in 2003 but closed it in 2019. He then moved to the scene of the tragedy: Shakahola forest, to prepare for the end of the world, which he predicted would happen in August 2023. He was arrested in April last year after several bodies of his followers were discovered in the Shakahola forest. A thorough search of the forest that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi revealed 448 bodies over months. Buried in mass graves, most of the nearly 450 victims died of hunger, revealed the autopsies. However, others, including children, appeared to have been strangled, beaten, or suffocated. Some even had their organs removed, revealed court documents. Also read | Secret Service apologizes for breaking into salon, using restroom during Kamala Harris event When will the trial end? Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor behind this tragedy that shocked Kenya and the world, will be on trial for four days. As per an AFP report, the hearing is scheduled to run till Thursday (Aug 15). Prosecutors have prepared at least 420 witnesses. "Due to the gravity of the case, we have prepared well," said prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina. Some witnesses will present testimonies in camera. Suspects, including Mackenzie, face charges of terrorism over the Shakahola massacre. They also face separate cases of murder, child torture and cruelty relating to the deaths, which prosecutors say occurred over the years 2020 to 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor behind Kenya starvation cult goes on trial

Search teams investigating a Kenyan cult have unearthed additional 22 bodies on Saturday (May 13). With these, the death toll in an investigation into the cult that practised starvation has risen to 201. As per an AFP report citing government officials, the bodies were discovered in a coastal forest.

According to authorities, most of the corpses found in a forest close to the coastal town of Malindi in Kenya are believed to be followers of the pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie.

Rhoda Onyancha, the coast regional commissioner, while announcing the latest figures, revealed that 26 individuals, including Mackenzie and an "enforcer gang" have been arrested over the deaths. The enforcer gang was reportedly assigned to ensure that no one broke their fast or left the forest hideout alive.

During a court hearing last week, Ezekiel Odero, a prominent and wealthy televangelist, was granted bail. Odero is under investigation for multiple charges such as murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering, and is also suspected of having connections to Mackenzie and the bodies discovered in the forest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-releases-pastor-accused-of-links-to-kenya-starvation-death-cults-leader-589019">Court releases pastor accused of links to Kenya starvation death cult’s leader</a>

Investigators will halt exhumations for two days to reorganise their efforts, with the process set to resume on Tuesday, according to Onyancha.

As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.

Mackenzie, the founder of the Good News International Church, is accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus."

The 50-year-old taxi driver-turned preacher surrendered on April 14 after police, acting on a tip-off, first entered the Shakahola forest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-who-are-the-two-pastors-facing-court-over-starvation-cult-massacre-588142">Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre?</a>

Most of his victims appear to have died of starvation. However, as per the AFP report quoting chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten, or suffocated.

Some of the corpses had their organs removed, according to court documents filed on Monday.&nbsp;

This has given rise to allegations that the suspects were engaged in forced harvesting of body parts. &nbsp;

However, the nation's Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the organ harvesting suspicions, stating that "it is a theory we are investigating."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Search teams investigating a Kenyan cult have unearthed additional 22 bodies on Saturday (May 13). With these, the death toll in an investigation into the cult that practised starvation has risen to 201.

Search teams investigating a Kenyan cult have unearthed additional 22 bodies on Saturday (May 13). With these, the death toll in an investigation into the cult that practised starvation has risen to 201. As per an AFP report citing government officials, the bodies were discovered in a coastal forest. According to authorities, most of the corpses found in a forest close to the coastal town of Malindi in Kenya are believed to be followers of the pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie. Rhoda Onyancha, the coast regional commissioner, while announcing the latest figures, revealed that 26 individuals, including Mackenzie and an "enforcer gang" have been arrested over the deaths. The enforcer gang was reportedly assigned to ensure that no one broke their fast or left the forest hideout alive. During a court hearing last week, Ezekiel Odero, a prominent and wealthy televangelist, was granted bail. Odero is under investigation for multiple charges such as murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering, and is also suspected of having connections to Mackenzie and the bodies discovered in the forest. Also read | Court releases pastor accused of links to Kenya starvation death cult’s leader Investigators will halt exhumations for two days to reorganise their efforts, with the process set to resume on Tuesday, according to Onyancha. As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest. Mackenzie, the founder of the Good News International Church, is accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus." The 50-year-old taxi driver-turned preacher surrendered on April 14 after police, acting on a tip-off, first entered the Shakahola forest. Also read | Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre? Most of his victims appear to have died of starvation. However, as per the AFP report quoting chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten, or suffocated. Some of the corpses had their organs removed, according to court documents filed on Monday. This has given rise to allegations that the suspects were engaged in forced harvesting of body parts. However, the nation's Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the organ harvesting suspicions, stating that "it is a theory we are investigating." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenya starvation cult death toll crosses 200; illegal organ harvesting racket suspected

Kenyan investigators on Tuesday (May 9) exhumed 21 more bodies as they resumed a search for followers of a doomsday cult. The latest figures on the bodies exhumed take the death toll to 133. Paul Mackenzie, the notorious cult leader, is among the 16 suspects accused of operating an armed -- and apparently well-fed -- "enforcer gang" tasked with ensuring that no one broke their fast or left their forest hideout alive, investigators said.&nbsp;

Mackenzie is currently in custody. The search operation in the Shakahola forest in southeastern Kenya was suspended for a few days due to bad weather, with hundreds of people still reported missing.

Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki visited the forest where workers wearing hazmat suits and masks were digging up graves. Later addressing a press conference, Kindiki said, "We have many more graves in this forest, and therefore it leads us to conclude that this was a highly organised crime."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-who-are-the-two-pastors-facing-court-over-starvation-cult-massacre-588142">Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre?</a>

While starvation appears to be the main cause of death, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten, or suffocated, chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor said. And as per court documents on Monday, some of the corpses had their organs removed, with police alleging the suspects were engaged in forced harvesting of body parts, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

"Post-mortem reports have established missing organs in some of the bodies of victims who have been exhumed," chief inspector Martin Munene said in an affidavit filed to a Nairobi court. 
 
"It is believed that trade on human body organs has been well coordinated involving several players," he added.&nbsp;

The chief inspector also pointed out Ezekiel Odero, a high-profile televangelist who was arrested in April in connection with the same case and granted bail last Thursday, had received "huge cash transactions," allegedly from Mackenzie's followers who sold their property at the cult leader's bidding.

Meanwhile, Paul Mackenzie's lawyer George Kariuki said that Kariuki was cooperating with the police. Speaking to Reuters, Kariuki said that Mackenzie wanted the investigation not to be "one-sided" by focusing on him, adding police should keep an open mind to unravel the mess.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Kenyan investigators on Tuesday (May 9) exhumed 21 more bodies as they resumed a search for followers of a doomsday cult. The latest figures on the bodies exhumed take the death toll to 133.

Kenyan investigators on Tuesday (May 9) exhumed 21 more bodies as they resumed a search for followers of a doomsday cult. The latest figures on the bodies exhumed take the death toll to 133. Paul Mackenzie, the notorious cult leader, is among the 16 suspects accused of operating an armed -- and apparently well-fed -- "enforcer gang" tasked with ensuring that no one broke their fast or left their forest hideout alive, investigators said. Mackenzie is currently in custody. The search operation in the Shakahola forest in southeastern Kenya was suspended for a few days due to bad weather, with hundreds of people still reported missing. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki visited the forest where workers wearing hazmat suits and masks were digging up graves. Later addressing a press conference, Kindiki said, "We have many more graves in this forest, and therefore it leads us to conclude that this was a highly organised crime." ALSO READ | Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre? While starvation appears to be the main cause of death, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten, or suffocated, chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor said. And as per court documents on Monday, some of the corpses had their organs removed, with police alleging the suspects were engaged in forced harvesting of body parts, the news agency AFP reported. "Post-mortem reports have established missing organs in some of the bodies of victims who have been exhumed," chief inspector Martin Munene said in an affidavit filed to a Nairobi court. "It is believed that trade on human body organs has been well coordinated involving several players," he added. The chief inspector also pointed out Ezekiel Odero, a high-profile televangelist who was arrested in April in connection with the same case and granted bail last Thursday, had received "huge cash transactions," allegedly from Mackenzie's followers who sold their property at the cult leader's bidding. Meanwhile, Paul Mackenzie's lawyer George Kariuki said that Kariuki was cooperating with the police. Speaking to Reuters, Kariuki said that Mackenzie wanted the investigation not to be "one-sided" by focusing on him, adding police should keep an open mind to unravel the mess. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenya starvation cult massacre: Investigators exhume 21 more bodies, toll rises to 133

&nbsp;A court in Kenya released a rich and well-known televangelist on Thursday (May 4) after he was detained last week for the ongoing investigation into the religious starvation cult where at least 109 people were found buried in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre.” The bodies were found last month after which the police said that these people had starved themselves to death on the instructions of a cult leader.

The judge in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa released Pastor Ezekiel Odero after his arrest last Thursday and ordered him to deposit a non-cash bond of $22,000 or three million shillings, or alternatively pay bail cash of 1.5 million shillings, reported Reuters. According to the report, Odero was seen wearing a customary all-white garb and carrying a large Bible and sat in a secluded part of the court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kenya-religious-starvation-cult-and-the-grisly-discovery-of-mass-graves-586045">Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 90 to mass graves</a>

A document presented last week in court said police had established that several deaths were recorded at Odero’s church and that those bodies may have been moved to a forest which is about 66 kilometres away. The police had exhumed more than 100 bodies in the past two weeks from the forest in question, located close to the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi.&nbsp;

Kenya’s interior minister had also previously accused Odero of being involved in the “mass killing of his followers,” but gave no further details. However, Odero’s lawyer, Cliff Ombeta denied the state’s accusations and said, “No one has come forth to complain that their relative or kin died mysteriously at New Life Prayer Centre and Church,” referring to the pastor’s church.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-who-are-the-two-pastors-facing-court-over-starvation-cult-massacre-588142">Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre?</a>

After the hearing, followers sang praise songs and celebrated the court’s decision, shouting, “We have seen the hand of the Lord,” reported Reuters. Odero was accused of killing, aiding suicide, kidnapping, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child abuse, fraud, and money laundering.

Meanwhile, the other pastor, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor who founded the Good News International Church accused of inciting cult members to starve to death “to meet Jesus,” remains in police custody.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/autopsies-begin-on-over-100-dead-bodies-of-christian-cult-members-in-kenya-who-starved-to-death-587923">Autopsies begin on over 100 dead bodies of Christian cult members in Kenya who starved to death</a>

While Mackenzie appeared in court in Malindi on Tuesday, he has not commented publicly on the accusations against him or even been required to enter a plea to any criminal charge.&nbsp;

The majority of the 109 reported deaths are those of children. The autopsy done on nine kids and one woman earlier this week showed some of the victims were asphyxiated. However, starvation was said to be the cause of death, as per media reports, citing officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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A court in Kenya released a rich and well-known televangelist on Thursday (May 4) after he was detained last week for the ongoing investigation into the religious starvation cult where at least 109 people were found buried in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre.

A court in Kenya released a rich and well-known televangelist on Thursday (May 4) after he was detained last week for the ongoing investigation into the religious starvation cult where at least 109 people were found buried in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre.” The bodies were found last month after which the police said that these people had starved themselves to death on the instructions of a cult leader. The judge in Kenya’s port city of Mombasa released Pastor Ezekiel Odero after his arrest last Thursday and ordered him to deposit a non-cash bond of $22,000 or three million shillings, or alternatively pay bail cash of 1.5 million shillings, reported Reuters. According to the report, Odero was seen wearing a customary all-white garb and carrying a large Bible and sat in a secluded part of the court. ALSO READ | Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 90 to mass graves A document presented last week in court said police had established that several deaths were recorded at Odero’s church and that those bodies may have been moved to a forest which is about 66 kilometres away. The police had exhumed more than 100 bodies in the past two weeks from the forest in question, located close to the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi. Kenya’s interior minister had also previously accused Odero of being involved in the “mass killing of his followers,” but gave no further details. However, Odero’s lawyer, Cliff Ombeta denied the state’s accusations and said, “No one has come forth to complain that their relative or kin died mysteriously at New Life Prayer Centre and Church,” referring to the pastor’s church. ALSO READ | Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre? After the hearing, followers sang praise songs and celebrated the court’s decision, shouting, “We have seen the hand of the Lord,” reported Reuters. Odero was accused of killing, aiding suicide, kidnapping, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child abuse, fraud, and money laundering. Meanwhile, the other pastor, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor who founded the Good News International Church accused of inciting cult members to starve to death “to meet Jesus,” remains in police custody. ALSO WATCH | Autopsies begin on over 100 dead bodies of Christian cult members in Kenya who starved to death While Mackenzie appeared in court in Malindi on Tuesday, he has not commented publicly on the accusations against him or even been required to enter a plea to any criminal charge. The majority of the 109 reported deaths are those of children. The autopsy done on nine kids and one woman earlier this week showed some of the victims were asphyxiated. However, starvation was said to be the cause of death, as per media reports, citing officials. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Court releases pastor accused of links to Kenya starvation death cult’s leader

Two pastors appeared before Kenyan courts, accused of being responsible for the grisly deaths of at least 109 people who were found buried in what has been dubbed the "Shakahola forest massacre."&nbsp;Mass graves were found last month in a forest close to the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi, shocking the deeply religious nation with a majority of Christians.

<h2>Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and&nbsp;Ezekiel Odero: The two pastors accused of cult massacre</h2>

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor who founded the Good News International Church in 2003 and is accused of inciting cult members to starve to death "to meet Jesus," made an appearance in court in Malindi on Tuesday (May 2).

Mackenzie and eight additional defendants were led in by around six police officers as the small courtroom filled with victims' relatives. He&nbsp;met with his lawyer George Kariuki while wearing a pink, black and brown jacket with&nbsp;brown trousers.

George Kariuki&nbsp;told AFP: "We have not been told what application the prosecution wants to make. We are just waiting to see."

The majority of the 109 reported deaths&nbsp;are those of children. An autopsy was done on nine kids&nbsp;and one woman on Monday (May 1).

Although some of the victims were asphyxiated, authorities&nbsp;confirmed that starvation was the cause of death, reported AFP.

Rich and well-known televangelist Ezekiel Odero is also scheduled to appear in court in Mombasa, the second-largest city in East Africa, after being detained in Malindi on Thursday.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-children-are-dead-i-know-for-sure-father-of-kenya-starvation-cult-victims-586520">&nbsp;'My children are dead, I know for sure': Father of Kenya starvation cult victims</a>

Odero is allegedly responsible for killing, aiding suicide, kidnapping, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child abuse, fraud, and money laundering.

The prosecution is asking for a 30-day extension of his detention, citing reliable evidence connecting the murders of multiple "innocent and vulnerable followers" of Odero's New Life Prayer Centre and Church to the corpses exhumed in Shakahola, reported AFP.

The former cab driver surrendered on April 14 after the police entered Shakahola forest following a tip-off where some 30 mass graves have been found.

Prosecutors claim that Odero and Mackenzie have a connection because they have a "history of business investments," which includes a television station that broadcasts "radicalised messages" to followers.

It has been questioned in court how Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor with an image of extremism, has avoided arrest despite his high profile and prior legal cases.&nbsp;

As a result of the tragedy, President William Ruto has intervened in Kenya's internal religious movements to draw attention to the failure of measures to control fraudulent churches and cults that dabble in illicit activities.&nbsp;

Ruto will put to work a task team this week to determine the best way to regulate religious activities in Kenya, which has roughly 4,000 churches, as per&nbsp;Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two pastors appeared before Kenyan courts, accused of being responsible for the grisly deaths of at least 109 people who were found buried in what has been dubbed the "Shakahola forest massacre.

Two pastors appeared before Kenyan courts, accused of being responsible for the grisly deaths of at least 109 people who were found buried in what has been dubbed the "Shakahola forest massacre." Mass graves were found last month in a forest close to the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi, shocking the deeply religious nation with a majority of Christians. Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and Ezekiel Odero: The two pastors accused of cult massacre Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor who founded the Good News International Church in 2003 and is accused of inciting cult members to starve to death "to meet Jesus," made an appearance in court in Malindi on Tuesday (May 2). Mackenzie and eight additional defendants were led in by around six police officers as the small courtroom filled with victims' relatives. He met with his lawyer George Kariuki while wearing a pink, black and brown jacket with brown trousers. George Kariuki told AFP: "We have not been told what application the prosecution wants to make. We are just waiting to see." The majority of the 109 reported deaths are those of children. An autopsy was done on nine kids and one woman on Monday (May 1). Although some of the victims were asphyxiated, authorities confirmed that starvation was the cause of death, reported AFP. Rich and well-known televangelist Ezekiel Odero is also scheduled to appear in court in Mombasa, the second-largest city in East Africa, after being detained in Malindi on Thursday. ALSO READ | 'My children are dead, I know for sure': Father of Kenya starvation cult victims Odero is allegedly responsible for killing, aiding suicide, kidnapping, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child abuse, fraud, and money laundering. The prosecution is asking for a 30-day extension of his detention, citing reliable evidence connecting the murders of multiple "innocent and vulnerable followers" of Odero's New Life Prayer Centre and Church to the corpses exhumed in Shakahola, reported AFP. The former cab driver surrendered on April 14 after the police entered Shakahola forest following a tip-off where some 30 mass graves have been found. Prosecutors claim that Odero and Mackenzie have a connection because they have a "history of business investments," which includes a television station that broadcasts "radicalised messages" to followers. It has been questioned in court how Mackenzie, a self-styled pastor with an image of extremism, has avoided arrest despite his high profile and prior legal cases. As a result of the tragedy, President William Ruto has intervened in Kenya's internal religious movements to draw attention to the failure of measures to control fraudulent churches and cults that dabble in illicit activities. Ruto will put to work a task team this week to determine the best way to regulate religious activities in Kenya, which has roughly 4,000 churches, as per Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing trial in court over starvation cult massacre?

The Kenya religious starvation cult has been in the headlines for days now. Dozens of dead bodies have been discovered since the police started looking for the victims after receiving a tip-off about a cult led by Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who urged his followers to starve to death in order to find God. The police have found a total of 90 bodies of people, including children,&nbsp;who on the instructions of the&nbsp;cult leader starved themselves to "meet God". The matter has led to shock and anger not just in Kenya, but across the globe. The Kenyan cult leader who told people to starve themselves has been arrested and his Good News International Church is being probed.

The Shakahola forest is being combed by the police to search for victims and the discoveries haven't ended. The police on Tuesday exhumed 10 more bodies from mass graves in the forest, bringing the total number of victims to 83. By the end of the day, the toll had reached 90. The 10 bodies recovered on Tuesday included three children. Two emaciated survivors were also found. Officials say the number is likely to increase further.&nbsp;

The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult

Kenyan officials acted on a tip-off earlier this month about shallow graves with dead bodies in a forest. They started searching the Shakahola forest near the coastal town of Malindi. Dozens of corpses have since been exhumed and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon. The bodies are of people who reportedly were followers of a Christian cult. They were told by cult leader Paul Mackenzie Nthenge that they will go to heaven and meet God if they starved themselves.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shakahola-cult-deaths-58-bodies-linked-to-kenyan-cult-found-ruto-vows-action-585757">Shakahola starvation deaths: 73 bodies linked to Kenyan cult found, Ruto vows action</a>

Paul Mackenzie Nthenge surrendered to police following the Shakahola raid. The cult and the associated deaths are being dubbed the "Shakahola Forest Massacre". Police say that there are several still missing and expect the number of those starving themselves to death&nbsp;to increase.&nbsp;

Officials say that members of the Good News International Church could still be hiding in the bush around Shakahola and are at risk of death if not quickly found. The Kenya Red Cross had earlier said that 212 people had been reported missing to its support staff in Malindi, out of which two were reunited with their families.

Hussein Khalid, executive director of the rights group Haki Africa that tipped off the police, has urged authorities to send more rescuers to search for survivors in the forest.&nbsp;

"Each day that passes by there is a very high possibility that more are dying," he told AFP.

"The horror that we have seen over the last four days is traumatising. Nothing prepares you for shallow mass graves of children."&nbsp;

Rescuers are finding bodies squeezed into shallow pits, with up to six people inside one grave. There are other bodies that were simply left outside on the ground.&nbsp;

Survivors are also being found, with 29 people having been rescued and taken to the hospital on Monday.

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The fallout of the grisly findings

As rescuers search for survivors and the number of those dead continues to increase, morgues are running out of space to keep the bodies. Authorities at the state-run Malindi Sub-County Hospital warned Tuesday that the morgue was running out of space and already operating well over capacity.

"The hospital mortuary has a capacity of 40 bodies," said the hospital's administrator Said Ali. He informed that officials had reached out to the Kenya Red Cross for refrigerated containers.

A day earlier, President William Ruto pledged to crack down on "unacceptable" religious movements in the country. Ruto likened rogue pastors like Nthenge to terrorists. "Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mr Mackenzie are using religion to do exactly the same thing."

"I have instructed the agencies responsible to take up the matter and to get to the root cause and to the bottom of the activities of... people who want to use religion to advance a weird, unacceptable ideology."

Questions emerge over operation of the Kenya religious starvation cult

People are angry and demanding to know how&nbsp;such a cult was operating undetected in Kenya despite Nthenge attracting police attention six years ago. The televangelist was earlier arrested in 2017 on charges of "radicalisation". He kicked off a conversation about the futility of education at that time and told families not to send their children to school, saying education was not recognised by the Bible.&nbsp;

Nthenge was arrested again last month, local media reports suggest, after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents. He was released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings ($700). That news has made quite a bit of noise, but after his release, Nthenge continued to run the cult. How did no one know about what he was doing?&nbsp;

The Kenya religious starvation cult case will be heard on May 2.&nbsp;

Kenya has had a troubling history of self-declared pastors and cults that have dabbled in criminality. The latest incident of a religious cult asking people to kill themselves has triggered demands for tighter control of fringe denominations in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The Kenya religious starvation cult has been in the headlines for days now. Dozens of dead bodies have been discovered since the police started looking for the victims after receiving a tip-off about a cult led by Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who urged his followers to starve to death in order to find God.

The Kenya religious starvation cult has been in the headlines for days now. Dozens of dead bodies have been discovered since the police started looking for the victims after receiving a tip-off about a cult led by Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who urged his followers to starve to death in order to find God. The police have found a total of 90 bodies of people, including children, who on the instructions of the cult leader starved themselves to "meet God". The matter has led to shock and anger not just in Kenya, but across the globe. The Kenyan cult leader who told people to starve themselves has been arrested and his Good News International Church is being probed. The Shakahola forest is being combed by the police to search for victims and the discoveries haven't ended. The police on Tuesday exhumed 10 more bodies from mass graves in the forest, bringing the total number of victims to 83. By the end of the day, the toll had reached 90. The 10 bodies recovered on Tuesday included three children. Two emaciated survivors were also found. Officials say the number is likely to increase further. The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult Kenyan officials acted on a tip-off earlier this month about shallow graves with dead bodies in a forest. They started searching the Shakahola forest near the coastal town of Malindi. Dozens of corpses have since been exhumed and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon. The bodies are of people who reportedly were followers of a Christian cult. They were told by cult leader Paul Mackenzie Nthenge that they will go to heaven and meet God if they starved themselves. Also Read | Shakahola starvation deaths: 73 bodies linked to Kenyan cult found, Ruto vows action Paul Mackenzie Nthenge surrendered to police following the Shakahola raid. The cult and the associated deaths are being dubbed the "Shakahola Forest Massacre". Police say that there are several still missing and expect the number of those starving themselves to death to increase. Officials say that members of the Good News International Church could still be hiding in the bush around Shakahola and are at risk of death if not quickly found. The Kenya Red Cross had earlier said that 212 people had been reported missing to its support staff in Malindi, out of which two were reunited with their families. Hussein Khalid, executive director of the rights group Haki Africa that tipped off the police, has urged authorities to send more rescuers to search for survivors in the forest. "Each day that passes by there is a very high possibility that more are dying," he told AFP. "The horror that we have seen over the last four days is traumatising. Nothing prepares you for shallow mass graves of children." Rescuers are finding bodies squeezed into shallow pits, with up to six people inside one grave. There are other bodies that were simply left outside on the ground. Survivors are also being found, with 29 people having been rescued and taken to the hospital on Monday. × The fallout of the grisly findings As rescuers search for survivors and the number of those dead continues to increase, morgues are running out of space to keep the bodies. Authorities at the state-run Malindi Sub-County Hospital warned Tuesday that the morgue was running out of space and already operating well over capacity. "The hospital mortuary has a capacity of 40 bodies," said the hospital's administrator Said Ali. He informed that officials had reached out to the Kenya Red Cross for refrigerated containers. A day earlier, President William Ruto pledged to crack down on "unacceptable" religious movements in the country. Ruto likened rogue pastors like Nthenge to terrorists. "Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mr Mackenzie are using religion to do exactly the same thing." "I have instructed the agencies responsible to take up the matter and to get to the root cause and to the bottom of the activities of... people who want to use religion to advance a weird, unacceptable ideology." Questions emerge over operation of the Kenya religious starvation cult People are angry and demanding to know how such a cult was operating undetected in Kenya despite Nthenge attracting police attention six years ago. The televangelist was earlier arrested in 2017 on charges of "radicalisation". He kicked off a conversation about the futility of education at that time and told families not to send their children to school, saying education was not recognised by the Bible. Nthenge was arrested again last month, local media reports suggest, after two children starved to death in the custody of their parents. He was released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings ($700). That news has made quite a bit of noise, but after his release, Nthenge continued to run the cult. How did no one know about what he was doing? The Kenya religious starvation cult case will be heard on May 2. Kenya has had a troubling history of self-declared pastors and cults that have dabbled in criminality. The latest incident of a religious cult asking people to kill themselves has triggered demands for tighter control of fringe denominations in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 90 to mass graves

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