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<p><strong><em>(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)</em></strong></p>

<p>Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds. Reportedly, children were targetted first and starved to death, followed by adults, according to fresh accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana, revealed that there was a methodical plan for mass suicide through starvation. Children were the first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster". Women and men were next to follow the plan, according to Katana, who was quoted in a <em>New York Times </em>report.</p>

<p>Katana joined the Good News church run by Pastor Paul Mackenzie&nbsp;in 2015 and became the deputy pastor soon. He said he admired Mackenzie initially for his preaching but soon felt a shift after the latter seemingly made contact with the 'God'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He told me he had received a revelation from God. Everything bad started with this,” said Katana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katana, who is co-operating with the authorities in the investigation, also revealed that children were treated brutally by being shut in huts for five days without food or water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Then they wrapped them in blankets and buried them, even the ones still breathing," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-crosses-200-illegal-organ-harvesting-racket-suspected-592138" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Kenya starvation cult death toll crosses 200; illegal organ harvesting racket suspected</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 201 with 22 additional bodies discovered last Saturday. Official autopsies of some of the bodies found&nbsp;signs of starvation, suffocation and beatings.</p>

<p>As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.</p>

<h2><strong>The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-kenya-christian-cult-deaths-586147"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths</strong></a></p>

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<p>The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named&nbsp;Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for&nbsp;murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds. Reportedly, children were targetted first and starved to death, followed by adults, according to fresh accounts. A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana, revealed that there was a methodical plan for mass suicide through starvation. Children were the first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster". Women and men were next to follow the plan, according to Katana, who was quoted in a New York Times report. Katana joined the Good News church run by Pastor Paul Mackenzie in 2015 and became the deputy pastor soon. He said he admired Mackenzie initially for his preaching but soon felt a shift after the latter seemingly made contact with the 'God'. “He told me he had received a revelation from God. Everything bad started with this,” said Katana. Katana, who is co-operating with the authorities in the investigation, also revealed that children were treated brutally by being shut in huts for five days without food or water. "Then they wrapped them in blankets and buried them, even the ones still breathing," he added. After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest. “They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said. ALSO READ | Kenya starvation cult death toll crosses 200; illegal organ harvesting racket suspected According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 201 with 22 additional bodies discovered last Saturday. Official autopsies of some of the bodies found signs of starvation, suffocation and beatings. As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest. The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult Last month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". WATCH | Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths × The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest. Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Children were targetted to die first in Kenya doomsday cult killings: Report

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Investigators will halt exhumations for two days to reorganise their efforts, with the process set to resume on Tuesday, according to Onyancha.</p>

<p>As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>The 50-year-old taxi driver-turned preacher surrendered on April 14 after police, acting on a tip-off, first entered the Shakahola forest.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Some of the corpses had their organs removed, according to court documents filed on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has given rise to allegations that the suspects were engaged in forced harvesting of body parts. &nbsp;</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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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

<p>A Kenyan lion named Loonkiito,&nbsp;believed to be the world's oldest, has died after he was brutally&nbsp;impaled by Maasai morans (warriors) on Wednesday (May 10) night, according to local wildlife officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Loonkiito, who was 19 years old,&nbsp;died in the&nbsp;Olkelunyiet village, located in southern Kenya, bordering Amboseli National Park, while preying upon livestock. The village is famous for being the best place in Africa where tourists can get close to freely roaming wild elephants and other wildlife species.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lion Guardians, a Maasai-operated conservation group, took to Instagram and informed about&nbsp;Loonkiito's demise, referring to him as the "oldest male lion in their ecosystem and possibly in Africa".</p>

<p>"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Loonkiito (2004-2023), the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa. He died yesterday, on the 10th of May 2023 at 19 years old," read the caption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was a symbol of resilience and coexistence. We at Lion Guardians feel privileged to have borne witness to his life and his legacy. In the following weeks and months, we hope to share the extraordinary story of Loonkiito’s life with the world."</p>

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<p>The king of the jungle was killed because he ventured too close to human settlement. A combination of factors, primarily the drought and lack of food in the forest led the lion to hunt livestock as a last resort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In desperation, lions often turn to take livestock," the group added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-south-african-rhino-poaching-drops-conservation-efforts-are-paying-off-509865" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-indian-state-is-opening-up-another-sanctuary-for-asiatic-lions-as-numbers-grow-exponentially-572574#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Loonkiito was an aberration&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, most lions do not live beyond 13 years in the wild, which made&nbsp;Loonkiito an anomaly. Though it is not confirmed by the Kenyan government if he was the oldest lion on the continent, his death has certainly made an impact and shows the increasing friction between man and animals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-indian-state-is-opening-up-another-sanctuary-for-asiatic-lions-as-numbers-grow-exponentially-572574"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;THIS Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially</strong></a></p>

<p>Paula Kahumbu, a wildlife conservationist and chief executive officer of WildlifeDirect, told BBC she was pained by the death of&nbsp;Loonkiito.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is the breaking point for human-wildlife conflict and we need to do more as a country to preserve lions, which are facing extinction," said Kahumbu.</p>

<p>Notably, apart from Africa, the majestic big cats are only found in India's Gir National Park in the western state of Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A Kenyan lion named Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest, has died after he was brutally impaled by Maasai morans (warriors) on Wednesday (May 10) night, according to local wildlife officials.

A Kenyan lion named Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest, has died after he was brutally impaled by Maasai morans (warriors) on Wednesday (May 10) night, according to local wildlife officials. Loonkiito, who was 19 years old, died in the Olkelunyiet village, located in southern Kenya, bordering Amboseli National Park, while preying upon livestock. The village is famous for being the best place in Africa where tourists can get close to freely roaming wild elephants and other wildlife species. Lion Guardians, a Maasai-operated conservation group, took to Instagram and informed about Loonkiito's demise, referring to him as the "oldest male lion in their ecosystem and possibly in Africa". "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Loonkiito (2004-2023), the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa. He died yesterday, on the 10th of May 2023 at 19 years old," read the caption. "He was a symbol of resilience and coexistence. We at Lion Guardians feel privileged to have borne witness to his life and his legacy. In the following weeks and months, we hope to share the extraordinary story of Loonkiito’s life with the world." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lion Guardians (@lionguardians_) × The king of the jungle was killed because he ventured too close to human settlement. A combination of factors, primarily the drought and lack of food in the forest led the lion to hunt livestock as a last resort. "In desperation, lions often turn to take livestock," the group added. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off × Loonkiito was an aberration According to experts, most lions do not live beyond 13 years in the wild, which made Loonkiito an anomaly. Though it is not confirmed by the Kenyan government if he was the oldest lion on the continent, his death has certainly made an impact and shows the increasing friction between man and animals. ALSO READ | THIS Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially Paula Kahumbu, a wildlife conservationist and chief executive officer of WildlifeDirect, told BBC she was pained by the death of Loonkiito. "This is the breaking point for human-wildlife conflict and we need to do more as a country to preserve lions, which are facing extinction," said Kahumbu. Notably, apart from Africa, the majestic big cats are only found in India's Gir National Park in the western state of Gujarat. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wild lion Loonkiito, believed to be world‘s oldest, impaled to death in Kenya

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>"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.<br />
<br />
"It is believed that trade on human body organs has been well coordinated involving several players," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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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

Kenyan volunteers are being equipped with weather forecasts and advice to allow people living in informal settlements to prepare for extreme weather.

Kenya: Residents on a mission to reduce flooding damage

<p>A sudden flood got a truck driver trapped in Kenya's Gulana-Lulalu causeway on 3 May. Concerned spectators raised the alarm, and a local wildlife charity's aerial team saved the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the dramatic footage which is now widely circulated on social media, the rescuers are seen daringly carrying out the operation to save the trucker. The trucker can be seen carefully getting out of the window of the truck while the rescuer held out his hand to help the driver climb out into the helicopter.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prosecutors-grant-immunity-to-at-least-8-fake-electors-in-georgia-trump-probe-589425">Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe</a></p>

<p>The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was able to save the driver by flying their chopper over the turbulent water.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breathtaking! <a href="https://t.co/X0HCn26iqQ">pic.twitter.com/X0HCn26iqQ</a></p>
— Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmednasirlaw/status/1654333336947490816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to authorities, continuous torrential rains and flash floods in Kenya and other regions of the Horn of Africa have caused serious property damage and fatalities.</p>

<p>Numerous organisations, including the Kenya Red Cross and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), provided situation updates that detailed the severe incidents of flash floods that had occurred in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and other countries.</p>

<p>In the majority of situations, flash floods have led to the destruction of lives and livelihoods. It disrupted health services. The floods have also impacted, among other things, the closure of schools. It also damaged water sources, sanitary services, and road infrastructure.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/neo-nazi-symbols-fight-in-schoolyard-what-we-know-about-serbias-second-mass-shooting-589423">Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting</a></p>

<p>After six seasons of insufficient precipitation, the Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier forecast that the 'long rains' season would start with mild to moderate rainfall in several regions of the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unfortunately, the rain has only grew stronger, causing severe property damage and chaos for the human population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Kenya Red Cross, 12 people have died and more than 5,000 families have been forced to leave their homes as a result of flooding in northern Kenya thus far.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2</strong></p>

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<p>A number of human settlements have also been marooned in floodwater, and thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, inadequate sanitation, and eventually fatal infections.</p>

<p>Ethipia has also seen significant rain in a few areas during the past three weeks. According to UN-OCHA reports, there were widespread floods and rivers overflowed, causing deaths as well as damage to crops and buildings.</p>

<p>“At least 29 people have passed on, with over 240,000 affected or displaced across the country. Most of the affected citizens are located in Oromia and Afar Region,” according to UN-OCHA.</p>

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A sudden flood got a truck driver trapped in Kenya's Gulana-Lulalu causeway on 3 May. Concerned spectators raised the alarm, and a local wildlife charity's aerial team saved the day.

A sudden flood got a truck driver trapped in Kenya's Gulana-Lulalu causeway on 3 May. Concerned spectators raised the alarm, and a local wildlife charity's aerial team saved the day. In the dramatic footage which is now widely circulated on social media, the rescuers are seen daringly carrying out the operation to save the trucker. The trucker can be seen carefully getting out of the window of the truck while the rescuer held out his hand to help the driver climb out into the helicopter. Also Read | Prosecutors grant immunity to at least eight 'fake electors' in Georgia Trump probe The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was able to save the driver by flying their chopper over the turbulent water. Breathtaking! pic.twitter.com/X0HCn26iqQ — Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC (@ahmednasirlaw) May 5, 2023 × According to authorities, continuous torrential rains and flash floods in Kenya and other regions of the Horn of Africa have caused serious property damage and fatalities. Numerous organisations, including the Kenya Red Cross and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), provided situation updates that detailed the severe incidents of flash floods that had occurred in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and other countries. In the majority of situations, flash floods have led to the destruction of lives and livelihoods. It disrupted health services. The floods have also impacted, among other things, the closure of schools. It also damaged water sources, sanitary services, and road infrastructure. Also Read | Neo-Nazi symbols, fight in schoolyard: What we know about Serbia’s second mass shooting After six seasons of insufficient precipitation, the Kenya Meteorological Department had earlier forecast that the 'long rains' season would start with mild to moderate rainfall in several regions of the nation. Unfortunately, the rain has only grew stronger, causing severe property damage and chaos for the human population. According to the Kenya Red Cross, 12 people have died and more than 5,000 families have been forced to leave their homes as a result of flooding in northern Kenya thus far. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × A number of human settlements have also been marooned in floodwater, and thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, inadequate sanitation, and eventually fatal infections. Ethipia has also seen significant rain in a few areas during the past three weeks. According to UN-OCHA reports, there were widespread floods and rivers overflowed, causing deaths as well as damage to crops and buildings. “At least 29 people have passed on, with over 240,000 affected or displaced across the country. Most of the affected citizens are located in Oromia and Afar Region,” according to UN-OCHA. 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.

WATCH | Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods

<p>&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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
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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

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - The Kenyan Cult leader accused of ordering his followers to starve themselves to death will face terrorism charges over the deaths of the people found buried in mass graves.

Second Russian train gets hit | Kenyan death cult leader to face terrorism charges

<p>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.</p>

<h2><strong>Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and&nbsp;Ezekiel Odero: The two pastors accused of cult massacre</strong></h2>

<p>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).</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>George Kariuki&nbsp;told AFP: "We have not been told what application the prosecution wants to make. We are just waiting to see."</p>

<p>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).</p>

<p>Although some of the victims were asphyxiated, authorities&nbsp;confirmed that starvation was the cause of death, reported AFP.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><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></p>

<p>Odero is allegedly responsible for killing, aiding suicide, kidnapping, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child abuse, fraud, and money laundering.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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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?

<p>Kenyan cult leader and self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who appeared in court on Tuesday, will be tried under terrorism charges for causing the starvation and death of more than 100 people in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”.</p>

<p>The prosecutors said that the accused will also face charges of murder, kidnapping, and cruelty towards children among other crimes, AFP news agency reported.</p>

<p>During the brief hearing, the court in Malindi decided to move the case to the high court in Kenya's second-largest city of Mombasa after the request of the prosecutor.</p>

<p>"There is a court (in Mombasa) that is gazetted to handle cases under the prevention of terrorism act," prosecutor Vivian Kambaga told a magistrate.</p>

<p>Mackenzie, who set up the Good News International Church in 2003, is accused of inciting followers to starve to death "to meet Jesus".</p>

<p>The deeply religious East African country, which has a Christian majority population, was stunned last month after the mass graves were discovered in a forest near the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi.</p>

<p>After finding 30 mass graves, the police, acting on a tip-off nabbed the former taxi driver on April 14. A total of 109 people have so far been confirmed dead, most of them children.&nbsp;The first autopsies from Shakahola were carried out on Monday on nine children and one woman.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in the Kenyan starvation cult rises to 58</strong></h2>

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<p>The authorities confirmed that their death was caused by starvation, though some victims were asphyxiated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><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 court over starvation cult massacre?</a></p>

<p>Apart from Mackenzie, officials are also trying to prosecute Ezekiel Odero, a wealthy and high-profile televangelist, who was arrested in Malindi on Thursday in connection with the same case.</p>

<p>Odero is suspected of murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering.</p>

<p>The prosecution is seeking to detain him for a further 30 days, citing credible information linking the corpses exhumed at Shakahola to the deaths of several "innocent and vulnerable followers" from Odero's New Life Prayer Centre and Church, AFP reported.</p>

<p>Officials claimed that Odero and Mackenzie share a 'history of business investments', including a television station used to spread radicalised messages among the followers.</p>

<p>In the wake of the horrific incidents, Kenyan President William Ruto has vowed to intervene in religious movements in the country home to about 4,000 churches.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Kenyan cult leader and self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who appeared in court on Tuesday, will be tried under terrorism charges for causing the starvation and death of more than 100 people in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”.

Kenyan cult leader and self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who appeared in court on Tuesday, will be tried under terrorism charges for causing the starvation and death of more than 100 people in what has been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”. The prosecutors said that the accused will also face charges of murder, kidnapping, and cruelty towards children among other crimes, AFP news agency reported. During the brief hearing, the court in Malindi decided to move the case to the high court in Kenya's second-largest city of Mombasa after the request of the prosecutor. "There is a court (in Mombasa) that is gazetted to handle cases under the prevention of terrorism act," prosecutor Vivian Kambaga told a magistrate. Mackenzie, who set up the Good News International Church in 2003, is accused of inciting followers to starve to death "to meet Jesus". The deeply religious East African country, which has a Christian majority population, was stunned last month after the mass graves were discovered in a forest near the Indian Ocean coastal town of Malindi. After finding 30 mass graves, the police, acting on a tip-off nabbed the former taxi driver on April 14. A total of 109 people have so far been confirmed dead, most of them children. The first autopsies from Shakahola were carried out on Monday on nine children and one woman. Death toll in the Kenyan starvation cult rises to 58 The authorities confirmed that their death was caused by starvation, though some victims were asphyxiated. Also read | Kenya: Who are the two pastors facing court over starvation cult massacre? Apart from Mackenzie, officials are also trying to prosecute Ezekiel Odero, a wealthy and high-profile televangelist, who was arrested in Malindi on Thursday in connection with the same case. Odero is suspected of murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering. The prosecution is seeking to detain him for a further 30 days, citing credible information linking the corpses exhumed at Shakahola to the deaths of several "innocent and vulnerable followers" from Odero's New Life Prayer Centre and Church, AFP reported. Officials claimed that Odero and Mackenzie share a 'history of business investments', including a television station used to spread radicalised messages among the followers. In the wake of the horrific incidents, Kenyan President William Ruto has vowed to intervene in religious movements in the country home to about 4,000 churches. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kenyan cult leader who incited followers to starve to death 'to meet Jesus' will face terrorism charges

Kenyans are being urged to plant their age in trees as part of a campaign to replenish the country’s forests and increase biodiversity.

Kenyans plant their age in trees to combat deforestation

<p>In Kenya, over 100 bodies linked to a religious cult have been subjected to autopsies by pathologists. The Good News International Church, based in the Shakahola Forest of eastern Kenya, lost 109 members after the group's leader, Paul Mackenzie, allegedly instructed them to starve themselves to death to be the first to go to heaven. The authorities have recovered 101 bodies from shallow graves since April 21, with eight cult members found alive but died later. So far, 44 people have been rescued.</p>

<p>Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, who is leading the postmortem examinations, said the autopsies will be done in teams, DNA samples will be collected from those who have reported missing relatives, and the matching will take at least a month. The autopsies will look at all possibilities, including whether some bodies had missing organs.</p>

<h2><strong>More cult members suspected to be hiding</strong></h2>

<p>This event is referred to as the Shakahola Forest Massacre by government officials, and the deaths amount to one of the worst cult-related tragedies in recent history. The Kenyan Red Cross has reported that over 300 people are missing, and the death toll is expected to rise.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-children-are-dead-i-know-for-sure-father-of-kenya-starvation-cult-victims-586520">'My children are dead, I know for sure': Father of Kenya starvation cult victims&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Hussein Khalid, a member of Haki Africa, the rights group that tipped off the police to the actions of the church, believes that some church members are still hiding from the authorities in the nearby forest.</p>

<p>He has called on the government to send soldiers to help with the search so believers could be found before they starve themselves to death. “This signifies the magnitude of this issue that clearly shows that there are still many who are still out there … and possibly dying every second that passes by,” Khalid said.</p>

<h2><strong>Cult leader Paul Mackenzie in police custody</strong></h2>

<p>Cult leader Paul Mackenzie has been in police custody since April 14, held alongside 14 cult members. Local media have reported that he is refusing food and water.</p>

<p>However, Mackenzie has made no public comment, and two lawyers acting for him have declined to comment on the accusations against him. President William Ruto Sunday said he would appoint a judicial commission of inquiry this week to investigate what happened in Shakahola.</p>

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In Kenya, over 100 bodies linked to a religious cult have been subjected to autopsies by pathologists. The Good News International Church, based in the Shakahola Forest of eastern Kenya, lost 109 members after the group's leader, Paul Mackenzie, allegedly instructed them to starve themselves to death to be the first to go to heaven.

In Kenya, over 100 bodies linked to a religious cult have been subjected to autopsies by pathologists. The Good News International Church, based in the Shakahola Forest of eastern Kenya, lost 109 members after the group's leader, Paul Mackenzie, allegedly instructed them to starve themselves to death to be the first to go to heaven. The authorities have recovered 101 bodies from shallow graves since April 21, with eight cult members found alive but died later. So far, 44 people have been rescued. Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, who is leading the postmortem examinations, said the autopsies will be done in teams, DNA samples will be collected from those who have reported missing relatives, and the matching will take at least a month. The autopsies will look at all possibilities, including whether some bodies had missing organs. More cult members suspected to be hiding This event is referred to as the Shakahola Forest Massacre by government officials, and the deaths amount to one of the worst cult-related tragedies in recent history. The Kenyan Red Cross has reported that over 300 people are missing, and the death toll is expected to rise. Also Read | 'My children are dead, I know for sure': Father of Kenya starvation cult victims Hussein Khalid, a member of Haki Africa, the rights group that tipped off the police to the actions of the church, believes that some church members are still hiding from the authorities in the nearby forest. He has called on the government to send soldiers to help with the search so believers could be found before they starve themselves to death. “This signifies the magnitude of this issue that clearly shows that there are still many who are still out there … and possibly dying every second that passes by,” Khalid said. Cult leader Paul Mackenzie in police custody Cult leader Paul Mackenzie has been in police custody since April 14, held alongside 14 cult members. Local media have reported that he is refusing food and water. However, Mackenzie has made no public comment, and two lawyers acting for him have declined to comment on the accusations against him. President William Ruto Sunday said he would appoint a judicial commission of inquiry this week to investigate what happened in Shakahola. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Autopsies begin on over 100 dead bodies of Christian cult members in Kenya who starved to death

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<p>The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ezekiel Odero, the pastor at New Life Prayer Centre and Church in the small southeastern town of Mavueni was arrested as law enforcement agencies evacuated more than 100 people who had been holed up inside his church.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Odero's arrest is connected to allegations of deaths that have occurred at his premises and reported at various morgues across the town. He is currently being processed and is expected to face criminal charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers," tweeted Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges… <a href="https://t.co/78EHEoH08l">pic.twitter.com/78EHEoH08l</a></p>
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) <a href="https://twitter.com/KindikiKithure/status/1651540181244162048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Odero is a wealthy televangelist who drew huge crowds and used pseudoscience and trickery to deceive people into believing him. According to reports, in his 40,000 seater church in Malindi, Odero claimed that 'holy' scraps of cloth sold at his mega rallies could heal sickness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Mavueni is only 66 km away from the Shakahola forest where 98 bodies have been exhumed so far after police acted on a tip-off to rescue the brainwashed followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the authorities have not linked the two cases. The crackdown of one of Kenya's most high-profile pastors comes after President William Ruto vowed to crack down on extremist religious leaders who violated the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kenya-cult-death-toll-climbs-to-98-as-more-bodies-found-in-shallow-graves-586627" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Kenya cult death toll climbs to 98 as more bodies found in shallow graves</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kenya-religious-starvation-cult-and-the-grisly-discovery-of-mass-graves-586045"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 98&nbsp;to mass graves</strong></a></p>

<p>Since then, over 98 bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers.

The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers. Ezekiel Odero, the pastor at New Life Prayer Centre and Church in the small southeastern town of Mavueni was arrested as law enforcement agencies evacuated more than 100 people who had been holed up inside his church. According to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Odero's arrest is connected to allegations of deaths that have occurred at his premises and reported at various morgues across the town. He is currently being processed and is expected to face criminal charges. "It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers," tweeted Kindiki. "The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements," he added. It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges… pic.twitter.com/78EHEoH08l — Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) April 27, 2023 × Odero is a wealthy televangelist who drew huge crowds and used pseudoscience and trickery to deceive people into believing him. According to reports, in his 40,000 seater church in Malindi, Odero claimed that 'holy' scraps of cloth sold at his mega rallies could heal sickness. Notably, Mavueni is only 66 km away from the Shakahola forest where 98 bodies have been exhumed so far after police acted on a tip-off to rescue the brainwashed followers. So far, the authorities have not linked the two cases. The crackdown of one of Kenya's most high-profile pastors comes after President William Ruto vowed to crack down on extremist religious leaders who violated the law. WATCH | Kenya cult death toll climbs to 98 as more bodies found in shallow graves × The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult Earlier this month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest. ALSO READ | Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 98 to mass graves Since then, over 98 bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Another Kenyan pastor arrested for mass killing of followers

Kenyan police continues to unearth corpses in shallow graves in the coastal town of Malindi. The corpses are of the people linked to a cult who had starved themselves to death. The death toll reaches 98. For details, watch the video.

Kenya cult death toll climbs to 98 as more bodies found in shallow graves

As the death toll rises in continuing exhumations of the Kenya Christian cult, some questions remain unanswered as to how pastor Mackenzie convinced followers to starve themselves if they want to see god.

Death by starvation | World Of Africa

The death toll is rising in the Kenyan cult deaths. More mass graves have been discovered. How many more cults does Kenya have? Will the police discover more mass graves? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths

Kenya's Police Inspector General Japheth Koome visits the site where remains of cult members were found in the Shakahola Forest near the coastal town of Malindi in Kenya. The death toll has climbed to 73 as the investigation continues.

Kenya Cult Starvation: Death toll rises to 73

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines | Death toll in the Kenyan starvation cult rises to 58

Devotion has taken a devastatingly dark turn in Kenya. Forty seven bodies have been exhumed in a forest outside the coastal town of Malindi. The bodies belong to members of a local cult who took to starving themselves in the hopes of meeting Jesus, all on the orders of a pastor -Makenzie Nthenge.

47 bodies of cult-members found at a mass grave in Kenya | WION Pulse

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidxrWXPCViK5gj" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Kenyan authorities have managed to exhume 21 bodies in connection to the cult whose seven followers&nbsp;died due to starvation, trying to follow the commands of their leader. The officials warned&nbsp;the toll could rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In total since yesterday, we have 21 bodies," a police source was quoted as saying by AFP. "We have not even scratched the surface which gives a clear indication that we are likely to get more bodies by the end of this exercise."</p>

<p>Among the exhumed bodies, at least three are children and could be the victim of Makenzie Nthenge, the pastor who ran the&nbsp;Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police has been carrying out an operation to dig out the bodies in the Shakahola forest outside the coastal town of Malindi. Notably, after last week's operation, the local law enforcement agencies received input about a mass grave in the nearby forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were suspicions that the controversial pastor had buried his dead followers in the cemetery. The emergence of 21 dead bodies has only confirmed the&nbsp;apprehension.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-people-in-kenya-struggle-to-feed-their-families-due-to-drought-526203" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: People in Kenya struggle to feed their families due to drought</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Police makes&nbsp;breakthrough&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were&nbsp;'starving themselves to death' on the pretext that they will 'meet Jesus'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, 15 frail, haggard-looking parishioners were found on the property. At the time, most of the followers could barely stand up, walk or even talk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A contingent under the command of SCPC and SCCIO Malindi visited the scene for fact-finding. The team was able to reach few households and managed to rescue fifteen people among them six who were emaciated," read the police report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We found them in a very bad state, others fainted on the way to hospital," a security officer told Kenya's Nation Media Group.</p>

<p>Subsequently, Nthenge was arrested again, having been left out on bail of $700 last month after&nbsp;two children were starved to death by the parents, based on his advice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-4-cult-members-starve-to-death-after-being-told-they-will-meet-jesus-582795" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Kenya: Seven cult members starve to death after being told they will ‘meet’ Jesus</strong></a></p>

<p>Kenya is a highly religious country and this is not the first instance when a cult leader has seemingly led their followers down an astray path. One of the most infamous cases remains the death of British woman Lutfunisa Kwandwalla who died in 2020 at the house of a spiritual leader in Mombasa.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Kenyan authorities have managed to exhume 21 bodies in connection to the cult whose seven followers died due to starvation, trying to follow the commands of their leader.

The Kenyan authorities have managed to exhume 21 bodies in connection to the cult whose seven followers died due to starvation, trying to follow the commands of their leader. The officials warned the toll could rise. “In total since yesterday, we have 21 bodies," a police source was quoted as saying by AFP. "We have not even scratched the surface which gives a clear indication that we are likely to get more bodies by the end of this exercise." Among the exhumed bodies, at least three are children and could be the victim of Makenzie Nthenge, the pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". The police has been carrying out an operation to dig out the bodies in the Shakahola forest outside the coastal town of Malindi. Notably, after last week's operation, the local law enforcement agencies received input about a mass grave in the nearby forest. There were suspicions that the controversial pastor had buried his dead followers in the cemetery. The emergence of 21 dead bodies has only confirmed the apprehension. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: People in Kenya struggle to feed their families due to drought × Police makes breakthrough The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death' on the pretext that they will 'meet Jesus'. Afterwards, 15 frail, haggard-looking parishioners were found on the property. At the time, most of the followers could barely stand up, walk or even talk. "A contingent under the command of SCPC and SCCIO Malindi visited the scene for fact-finding. The team was able to reach few households and managed to rescue fifteen people among them six who were emaciated," read the police report. "We found them in a very bad state, others fainted on the way to hospital," a security officer told Kenya's Nation Media Group. Subsequently, Nthenge was arrested again, having been left out on bail of $700 last month after two children were starved to death by the parents, based on his advice. ALSO READ | Kenya: Seven cult members starve to death after being told they will ‘meet’ Jesus Kenya is a highly religious country and this is not the first instance when a cult leader has seemingly led their followers down an astray path. One of the most infamous cases remains the death of British woman Lutfunisa Kwandwalla who died in 2020 at the house of a spiritual leader in Mombasa. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Police exhume 21 bodies in Kenya cult probe, warn toll could rise

Kenya's space programme is advancing significantly. Using a SpaceX rocket from the United States, the African country sent its first operational earth observation satellites into space. Previously, the space race was dominated by global powers, forcing smaller nations to play catch-up.

Kenya launches first operational earth observatory satellite

<p>At least 10 people died when a bus in southern Kenya left the road and rolled over several times and fell in a ditch, said the police, to the Associated Press (AP), on Sunday (April 16). The incident took place on Saturday evening when the passengers were on their way back to the coastal city of Mombasa after attending a funeral in the Mwatate area, Taita Taveta County.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mwatate Police Chief Morris Okul told AP that the driver of the bus had survived the accident and was in the hospital in critical condition. “The survivors told us they were 34 people on board excluding children,” said Okul, as per AP, as children in Kenya often up to the age of 15 often travel sitting on parents’ laps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a statement from the National Police Service in Kenya, the accident occurred at around 8:30 pm (local time) in the Josa area along Wundanyi Mwatate Road. “Onboard the bus were about 34 adult passengers including children from a burial at Mghambonyi area,” said the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the accident has claimed the lives of nine females and one male, all adults and 17 people including an infant were “seriously injured” and one person was “slightly injured”. “All were victims taken to Mwatate Sub County Hospital and Moi Level 5 Hospital for treatment,” said the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, five dead bodies have been identified while efforts are underway to retrieve the “extensively damaged vehicle.” The bus had veered off the road and rolled several times before landing in a ditch around 100 metres from the road.</p>

<p>The area in which the accident took place is also known as the blackspot. The mourners had travelled over 150 kilometres to attend the funeral and were returned in the evening, reported AP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Okul also told the news agency that the brakes on the bus failed, however, Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, said the driver may have been driving on neutral when he lost control.</p>

<p>“There’s a tendency of long-distance drivers freewheeling to save on fuel. This is carelessness because in case of an emergency one has no control,” said Koome.&nbsp;</p>

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At least 10 people died when a bus in southern Kenya left the road and rolled over several times and fell in a ditch, said the police, to the Associated Press (AP), on Sunday (April 16).

At least 10 people died when a bus in southern Kenya left the road and rolled over several times and fell in a ditch, said the police, to the Associated Press (AP), on Sunday (April 16). The incident took place on Saturday evening when the passengers were on their way back to the coastal city of Mombasa after attending a funeral in the Mwatate area, Taita Taveta County. Mwatate Police Chief Morris Okul told AP that the driver of the bus had survived the accident and was in the hospital in critical condition. “The survivors told us they were 34 people on board excluding children,” said Okul, as per AP, as children in Kenya often up to the age of 15 often travel sitting on parents’ laps. According to a statement from the National Police Service in Kenya, the accident occurred at around 8:30 pm (local time) in the Josa area along Wundanyi Mwatate Road. “Onboard the bus were about 34 adult passengers including children from a burial at Mghambonyi area,” said the police. It added that the accident has claimed the lives of nine females and one male, all adults and 17 people including an infant were “seriously injured” and one person was “slightly injured”. “All were victims taken to Mwatate Sub County Hospital and Moi Level 5 Hospital for treatment,” said the police. So far, five dead bodies have been identified while efforts are underway to retrieve the “extensively damaged vehicle.” The bus had veered off the road and rolled several times before landing in a ditch around 100 metres from the road. The area in which the accident took place is also known as the blackspot. The mourners had travelled over 150 kilometres to attend the funeral and were returned in the evening, reported AP. Okul also told the news agency that the brakes on the bus failed, however, Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, said the driver may have been driving on neutral when he lost control. “There’s a tendency of long-distance drivers freewheeling to save on fuel. This is carelessness because in case of an emergency one has no control,” said Koome. 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: At least 10 people killed in bus crash while returning from a funeral

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<p>The Kenyan police have launched an investigation into the death of four people suspected to have starved to death, following the commands of a controversial cult leader. The police found 15 frail, haggard-looking parishioners on the property of the said cult leader who acted as a church pastor in the coastal area of Kilifi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police have identified the pastor as Makenzie Nthenge who told his followers to starve themselves as a way to meet Jesus and gain a place in heaven. When the authorities found them, most of the followers could barely stand up, walk or even talk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A contingent under the command of SCPC and SCCIO Malindi visited the scene for fact-finding. The team was able to reach few households and managed to rescue fifteen people among them six who were emaciated," read the police report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We found them in a very bad state, others fainted on the way to hospital," a security officer told Kenya's Nation&nbsp;Media Group.</p>

<p>The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Good News International Church were 'starving themselves to death' on the pretext that they will meet Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-poses-as-woman-wearing-niqab-at-chess-championship-nearly-cheats-his-way-through-582515" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Kenya: Man poses as woman wearing 'niqab' at chess championship, nearly cheats his way through</strong></a></p>

<p>Of the 15 rescued, only 11 made it to the hospital alive. The local law enforcement agencies are now looking into reports of a mass grave in the nearby forest. There have suspicions that the controversial pastor buried his dead followers in the cemetery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The team was unable to identify the mass grave by virtue of vast land (area) and hostile residents in the forest. It is further suspected that there are many victims in the forest land believed to belong to the suspect," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local reports stated that&nbsp;Nthenge was arrested last month after two children were starved to death by the parents, based on his advice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-people-in-kenya-struggle-to-feed-their-families-due-to-drought-526203" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: People in Kenya struggle to feed their families due to drought</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous instances of cult killing</strong></h2>

<p>Kenya is a highly religious country and this is not the first instance when a cult leader has seemingly led&nbsp;their&nbsp;followers down an astray path. One of the most infamous cases remains the death of British woman Lutfunisa Kwandwalla who died in 2020 at the house of a spiritual leader in Mombasa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kwandwalla resided in the city of Leicester but went to Kenya in August 2019 to visit members of her husband's family. However, she joined a controversial cult upon reaching there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kwandwalla was to return to England after a few months but a coronavirus lockdown and travel restrictions meant that her stay was prolonged and she was pushed deeper into the cult.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her family alleged that the cult members killed her and buried the body quickly to hide evidence. Meanwhile, local officials blamed "natural causes" and no arrests were made.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Kenyan police have launched an investigation into the death of four people suspected to have starved to death, following the commands of a controversial cult leader.

The Kenyan police have launched an investigation into the death of four people suspected to have starved to death, following the commands of a controversial cult leader. The police found 15 frail, haggard-looking parishioners on the property of the said cult leader who acted as a church pastor in the coastal area of Kilifi. The police have identified the pastor as Makenzie Nthenge who told his followers to starve themselves as a way to meet Jesus and gain a place in heaven. When the authorities found them, most of the followers could barely stand up, walk or even talk. "A contingent under the command of SCPC and SCCIO Malindi visited the scene for fact-finding. The team was able to reach few households and managed to rescue fifteen people among them six who were emaciated," read the police report. "We found them in a very bad state, others fainted on the way to hospital," a security officer told Kenya's Nation Media Group. The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Good News International Church were 'starving themselves to death' on the pretext that they will meet Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect. ALSO READ | Kenya: Man poses as woman wearing 'niqab' at chess championship, nearly cheats his way through Of the 15 rescued, only 11 made it to the hospital alive. The local law enforcement agencies are now looking into reports of a mass grave in the nearby forest. There have suspicions that the controversial pastor buried his dead followers in the cemetery. "The team was unable to identify the mass grave by virtue of vast land (area) and hostile residents in the forest. It is further suspected that there are many victims in the forest land believed to belong to the suspect," the report added. Local reports stated that Nthenge was arrested last month after two children were starved to death by the parents, based on his advice. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: People in Kenya struggle to feed their families due to drought × Previous instances of cult killing Kenya is a highly religious country and this is not the first instance when a cult leader has seemingly led their followers down an astray path. One of the most infamous cases remains the death of British woman Lutfunisa Kwandwalla who died in 2020 at the house of a spiritual leader in Mombasa. Kwandwalla resided in the city of Leicester but went to Kenya in August 2019 to visit members of her husband's family. However, she joined a controversial cult upon reaching there. Kwandwalla was to return to England after a few months but a coronavirus lockdown and travel restrictions meant that her stay was prolonged and she was pushed deeper into the cult. Her family alleged that the cult members killed her and buried the body quickly to hide evidence. Meanwhile, local officials blamed "natural causes" and no arrests were made. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya: Four cult members starve to death after being told they will ‘meet’ Jesus

<p>In what comes as a bizarre turn of events, a man dressed as a woman managed to cheat his way through a Chess Championship in the African country of Kenya. The man registered himself under the name Millicent Awuor, wore a 'niqab' and managed to take the mickey out of everyone at the tournament before getting caught.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The impostor managed to keep up his act and stormed through the first few rounds. According to the organisers, to keep his identity hidden, the player wore a niqab each day, which left his glasses and eyes visible only. Even during the registration process, he didn't utter a word and only scribbled on the paper during matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tournament executives of the Kenya Open were apprehensive of the said participant but refused to intervene thinking she was an orthodox Muslim woman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the lid was blown open after Awuor defeated former national champion Gloria Jumba and Ugandan top player Ampaira Shakira. Chief arbiter Antony Kionga stated that as the tournament progressed, both players and his staff noticed that the person in question seemed suspicious. The player had an odd walking style and wore shoes commonly used by men.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afterwards, Kionga decided to take action and called the 'niqab-clad' woman to a private room and demanded an identification document. No sooner did Kionga ask for the documents, the impostor broke down and admitted to his wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man, later identified as Stanley Omondi, said he was a university student, desperate for money and that's why he took to cheating.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The reason was due to financial needs but I deeply regret my action and [am] ready to accept all consequences," he wrote in a letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Omondi had an international rating nearing 1500 and a blitz rating close to 1750. He has been booted out of the tournament while his points have&nbsp;been awarded to the opponents.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-chess-revolution-a-new-generation-takes-centrestage-507876"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's Chess revolution: A new generation takes centrestage</strong></a></p>

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<p>The rising interest in chess over the last few years means&nbsp;that Kenya Open Chess Championship, which took place from April 6-10, attracted almost 450 players and had a&nbsp;total prize fund of $42,000.</p>

<h2><strong>Hans Nieman and vibrating anal bead conspiracy</strong></h2>

<p>However, this is not the first instance when a participant has attempted to cheat or allegations of cheating have emerged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, the chess world was rocked by rumours that top player Hans Niemann was using vibrating anal beads&nbsp;to win his matches. The speculations had brewed after&nbsp;Niemann shocked everyone by defeating five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the $500,000 Sinquefield Cup, an annual chess tournament held in Saint Louis.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-jumps-in-on-the-anal-beads-chess-championship-conspiracy-theory-515047"><strong>ALSO READ | Elon Musk jumps in on the 'anal beads' chess championship conspiracy theory</strong></a></p>

<p>Afterwards, Carlsen quit the tournament which added fuel to the fire. While Carlsen did not cite any reason for quitting the tournament, most fans believed that it was because of Niemann.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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In what comes as a bizarre turn of events, a man dressed as a woman managed to cheat his way through a Chess Championship in the African country of Kenya. The man registered himself under the name Millicent Awuor, wore a 'niqab' and managed to take the mickey out of everyone at the tournament before getting caught.

In what comes as a bizarre turn of events, a man dressed as a woman managed to cheat his way through a Chess Championship in the African country of Kenya. The man registered himself under the name Millicent Awuor, wore a 'niqab' and managed to take the mickey out of everyone at the tournament before getting caught. The impostor managed to keep up his act and stormed through the first few rounds. According to the organisers, to keep his identity hidden, the player wore a niqab each day, which left his glasses and eyes visible only. Even during the registration process, he didn't utter a word and only scribbled on the paper during matches. The tournament executives of the Kenya Open were apprehensive of the said participant but refused to intervene thinking she was an orthodox Muslim woman. However, the lid was blown open after Awuor defeated former national champion Gloria Jumba and Ugandan top player Ampaira Shakira. Chief arbiter Antony Kionga stated that as the tournament progressed, both players and his staff noticed that the person in question seemed suspicious. The player had an odd walking style and wore shoes commonly used by men. Afterwards, Kionga decided to take action and called the 'niqab-clad' woman to a private room and demanded an identification document. No sooner did Kionga ask for the documents, the impostor broke down and admitted to his wrongdoing. The man, later identified as Stanley Omondi, said he was a university student, desperate for money and that's why he took to cheating. "The reason was due to financial needs but I deeply regret my action and [am] ready to accept all consequences," he wrote in a letter. Omondi had an international rating nearing 1500 and a blitz rating close to 1750. He has been booted out of the tournament while his points have been awarded to the opponents. WATCH | India's Chess revolution: A new generation takes centrestage × The rising interest in chess over the last few years means that Kenya Open Chess Championship, which took place from April 6-10, attracted almost 450 players and had a total prize fund of $42,000. Hans Nieman and vibrating anal bead conspiracy However, this is not the first instance when a participant has attempted to cheat or allegations of cheating have emerged. Last year, the chess world was rocked by rumours that top player Hans Niemann was using vibrating anal beads to win his matches. The speculations had brewed after Niemann shocked everyone by defeating five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the $500,000 Sinquefield Cup, an annual chess tournament held in Saint Louis. ALSO READ | Elon Musk jumps in on the 'anal beads' chess championship conspiracy theory Afterwards, Carlsen quit the tournament which added fuel to the fire. While Carlsen did not cite any reason for quitting the tournament, most fans believed that it was because of Niemann. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya: Man poses as woman wearing 'niqab' at chess championship, nearly cheats his way through

Every day, hundreds of people make the treacherous journey across volatile borders, to escape some of the problems they face in their home countries. Case in point, Somalia where thousands flee the war into neighbouring Kenya and Uganda. Now migrants in the Sahel are finding themselves in the same conundrum as the Somalis.

Refugees, migrants recount horror | World of Africa

<p>A truck crashed into pedestrians and motorcycle taxis near western Kenya's border with Tanzania, killing at least 10 people and injuring 10 others Saturday, authorities said.</p>

<p>A local police commander said the crash in the town of Migori happened along a major highway when the driver lost control of the brakes.</p>

<p>An operation to free people trapped under the truck was underway, and there were fears the deal toll might rise, Migori county commander Mark Wanjala said.</p>

<p>Two more people were reported to have been knocked across a bridge and into a river, but an attempt to rescue them had not started, Wanjala said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-kenya-becomes-the-dumping-ground-for-textile-waste-528626"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste</strong></a></p>

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<p>Witnesses told local media the truck driver honked the vehicle's horn repeatedly before the crash. The truck was carrying bags of rice toward the Isebania border town into neighbouring Tanzania.</p>

<p>Videos of people looting the rice while people remained trapped under the track appeared on social media.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-prepares-for-fresh-protests-amid-police-ban-576153"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Kenya prepares for fresh protests amid police ban</strong></a></p>

<p>Many Kenyans travel to their rural homes during the Easter holidays, and road accidents during the busy season are common.</p>

<p>Police urged motorists to exercise caution and ensure vehicles were well-serviced before embarking on long drives.</p>

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A truck crashed into pedestrians and motorcycle taxis near western Kenya's border with Tanzania, killing at least 10 people and injuring 10 others Saturday, authorities said.

A truck crashed into pedestrians and motorcycle taxis near western Kenya's border with Tanzania, killing at least 10 people and injuring 10 others Saturday, authorities said. A local police commander said the crash in the town of Migori happened along a major highway when the driver lost control of the brakes. An operation to free people trapped under the truck was underway, and there were fears the deal toll might rise, Migori county commander Mark Wanjala said. Two more people were reported to have been knocked across a bridge and into a river, but an attempt to rescue them had not started, Wanjala said. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste × Witnesses told local media the truck driver honked the vehicle's horn repeatedly before the crash. The truck was carrying bags of rice toward the Isebania border town into neighbouring Tanzania. Videos of people looting the rice while people remained trapped under the track appeared on social media. ALSO READ | Kenya prepares for fresh protests amid police ban Many Kenyans travel to their rural homes during the Easter holidays, and road accidents during the busy season are common. Police urged motorists to exercise caution and ensure vehicles were well-serviced before embarking on long drives. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya: Truck rams into pedestrians and taxis, killing 10 on the spot

Kenya has been rocked by violent anti-government protests. Opposition leader, Raila Odinga, had called for regular protests every Monday and Thursday, before eventually calling off the anti-government protests. Odinga has repeatedly accused the sitting president, William Ruto, of having stolen last year's election. Mohammed Saleh decodes the violent turmoil that has gripped Kenya.

Kenya descends into political chaos 6 months after election | World at War

For the past two weeks, Kenya has been witnessing massive protests by supporters of an opposition leader against the government in high prices of food items till now.

Unrest in Kenya over high food prices

<p>Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban.</p>

<p>Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga appealed to citizens to take to the streets every Thursday and Monday, a week after the protests had turned violent and various parts of Nairobi were paralysed.</p>

<p>However, on Sunday, the police announced a ban on the rallies. "We will not allow violent demonstrations," said Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.</p>

<p>"The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-to-solve-its-alcohol-problem-with-one-bar-per-town-plan-573540">Kenya to solve its alcohol problem with 'one bar per town' plan</a></p>

<p>A university student was killed and 31 officers had suffered injuries in a police fire during the previous Monday's clashes as running battles took place between demonstrators and riot police in Nairobi as well as opposition strongholds in western Kenya.</p>

<p>Police arrested around 200 people which included various senior opposition politicians while protesters, including their own convoy of Odinga, were hit with water cannons and tear gas.</p>

<p>This was the first major political unrest since incumbent President William Ruto came to power around six months ago after Odinga was defeated in an election that his rivals alleged was "stolen".</p>

<p>Even after the police ban, Odinga appealed to the Kenyans on Sunday to take part in what he called “the mother of all demonstrations".</p>

<p>"I want to tell Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated. We are not going to fear tear gas and police,” he added. President Ruto appealed to his rival to stop the action.</p>

<p>"I am telling Raila Odinga that if he has a problem with me, he should face me and stop terrorising the country," he stated on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga vows to hold protest rally despite ban</strong></p>

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<p>"Stop paralysing the businesses of mama mboga, matatu and other Kenyans," he added, referring to private minibus operators and women stallholders.</p>

<p>On Monday, Ruto will be leaving for a four-day official trip to Belgium and Germany during which he will hold meetings with EU and national leaders.</p>

<p>Kenyans have been struggling to buy food by the end of the day as they are battling soaring prices for basic goods and declining local currency along with a record which has left millions hungry.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban.

Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban. Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga appealed to citizens to take to the streets every Thursday and Monday, a week after the protests had turned violent and various parts of Nairobi were paralysed. However, on Sunday, the police announced a ban on the rallies. "We will not allow violent demonstrations," said Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. "The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he added. ALSO READ | Kenya to solve its alcohol problem with 'one bar per town' plan A university student was killed and 31 officers had suffered injuries in a police fire during the previous Monday's clashes as running battles took place between demonstrators and riot police in Nairobi as well as opposition strongholds in western Kenya. Police arrested around 200 people which included various senior opposition politicians while protesters, including their own convoy of Odinga, were hit with water cannons and tear gas. This was the first major political unrest since incumbent President William Ruto came to power around six months ago after Odinga was defeated in an election that his rivals alleged was "stolen". Even after the police ban, Odinga appealed to the Kenyans on Sunday to take part in what he called “the mother of all demonstrations". "I want to tell Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated. We are not going to fear tear gas and police,” he added. President Ruto appealed to his rival to stop the action. "I am telling Raila Odinga that if he has a problem with me, he should face me and stop terrorising the country," he stated on Thursday. WATCH | Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga vows to hold protest rally despite ban "Stop paralysing the businesses of mama mboga, matatu and other Kenyans," he added, referring to private minibus operators and women stallholders. On Monday, Ruto will be leaving for a four-day official trip to Belgium and Germany during which he will hold meetings with EU and national leaders. Kenyans have been struggling to buy food by the end of the day as they are battling soaring prices for basic goods and declining local currency along with a record which has left millions hungry. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kenya prepares for fresh protests amid police ban

Even though demonstrations a week ago became violent and paralysed portions of Nairobi, the city, Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition leader, has urged people to take to the streets every Monday and Thursday. However, the authorities declared the rallies would be prohibited on Sunday.

Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga vows to hold protest rally despite ban

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<p>Alphabet-owned Google has suspended hundreds of loan apps in Kenya providing unsecured personal or business loans. The apps had been taken down after failing to comply with Google's new policy requiring digital lenders to submit proof of licence, according to a TechCrunch report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is unclear how many apps have been booted out but expert estimates suggest that the ballpark figure could be around 500 with popular apps like MoKash and Okash receiving the axe. Up until last month, over 600 apps were active on the Play Store but that number has come down to under 200 as of Friday (March 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Kenya's central bank issued regulations for Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) last year, the US-based tech giant also published its new policy in January, requiring credit-providing applications to obtain licences from the top bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, only 22 digital creditors such as Tala, Pezesha and Jumo had managed to get the licence from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) till January.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/googles-shared-dip-after-ai-chatbot-bard-flubs-answer-in-new-ad-heres-what-happened-560132"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;$100 bn wiped off Alphabet's shares after Google AI chatbot 'Bard' flubs answer</strong></a></p>

<p>The regulations state that any digital lender that is yet to get a licence from CBK can receive an interim approval for Google which is only valid for 45 days. Once the period&nbsp;lapses, the company should either have received the approval or file a declaration that its permit was still pending.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, if the company failed to do so, its interim approval will be rescinded and it will be removed from the app store.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-giants-compete-for-best-in-ai-559482"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Tech giants compete for best in AI</strong></a></p>

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<p>The unregulated loan app business has been booming across most countries. However, the exorbitant interest rates and predatory practices employed by the companies to exact the loan amount has tarnished the reputation of the particular digital sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Google has been steadily moving to curb the menace of digital loan apps. It banned over 2,000 loan apps in India last year by citing violation of norms, misrepresentation of information and questionable offline behaviour as the reason.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Alphabet-owned Google has suspended hundreds of loan apps in Kenya providing unsecured personal or business loans. The apps had been taken down after failing to comply with Google's new policy requiring digital lenders to submit proof of licence, according to a TechCrunch report.

Alphabet-owned Google has suspended hundreds of loan apps in Kenya providing unsecured personal or business loans. The apps had been taken down after failing to comply with Google's new policy requiring digital lenders to submit proof of licence, according to a TechCrunch report. It is unclear how many apps have been booted out but expert estimates suggest that the ballpark figure could be around 500 with popular apps like MoKash and Okash receiving the axe. Up until last month, over 600 apps were active on the Play Store but that number has come down to under 200 as of Friday (March 24). After Kenya's central bank issued regulations for Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) last year, the US-based tech giant also published its new policy in January, requiring credit-providing applications to obtain licences from the top bank. According to reports, only 22 digital creditors such as Tala, Pezesha and Jumo had managed to get the licence from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) till January. ALSO READ | $100 bn wiped off Alphabet's shares after Google AI chatbot 'Bard' flubs answer The regulations state that any digital lender that is yet to get a licence from CBK can receive an interim approval for Google which is only valid for 45 days. Once the period lapses, the company should either have received the approval or file a declaration that its permit was still pending. However, if the company failed to do so, its interim approval will be rescinded and it will be removed from the app store. WATCH | Tech giants compete for best in AI × The unregulated loan app business has been booming across most countries. However, the exorbitant interest rates and predatory practices employed by the companies to exact the loan amount has tarnished the reputation of the particular digital sector. Google has been steadily moving to curb the menace of digital loan apps. It banned over 2,000 loan apps in India last year by citing violation of norms, misrepresentation of information and questionable offline behaviour as the reason. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Google cracks down on loan apps, removes hundreds from Play Store in Kenya

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