Kenya Exhumes 32 Bodies Linked to Doomsday Cult

Zim Now Writer

Thirty-two bodies were exhumed in southeastern Kenya over the past week, rekindling outrage over the government’s handling of extremist religious sects two years after the Shakahola massacre.

Authorities say the graves were discovered in the village of Kwa Binzaro, about 30 km from Shakahola Forest, where more than 400 people died in 2023 after allegedly being ordered by pastor Paul Mackenzie to starve themselves and their children.

Mackenzie, who is facing murder and terrorism charges, has denied the accusations.

Government pathologist Richard Njoroge confirmed that seven more bodies were recovered on Thursday, bringing the total to 32 since exhumations began last week. Search teams in protective suits continued combing the dense forest on Friday.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has said survivors rescued in Kwa Binzaro linked the site to Mackenzie’s cult, claiming the preacher continued to “pray for them” from prison.

Kilifi County authorities confirmed that 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the case. Meanwhile, families of the missing are left waiting for DNA tests to identify the bodies.

William Ponda Titus, who lost four relatives in Shakahola, fears four others may be among those recently discovered.

“This thing has hurt me very much because right now it is only me and my father,” he said outside his home in Malindi. “I am sick since I got the news.”

His cousin, Michael Ruwa, accused the government of downplaying the tragedy. “The matter is being taken very lightly. We ask the government to treat it seriously because it is people who have been lost in there. Not animals.”