THE BODIES of 39 people have so far been dug up from land owned by a pastor in Kenya who told his followers to fast to death.
According to reports by AP News Pastor Paul Makenzi, was arrested on April 14 following links to cultism.
Malindi sub-county police chief John Kemboi, said the death toll could rise as more shallow graves have yet to be dug up on the coastal land belonging to Makenzi.
The total death toll so far is 43, as last week four other people died after they and other followers were found starving at the Good News International Church.
Members of the public alerted the police who raided the pastor’s property in Malindi, where they discovered 15 severely emanciated people – including the four who later died.
The followers said they were instructed by the pastor to starve so they could meet Jesus.
Police have asked a court to grant them more time to question Makenzi, as the investigation continues.
Kenya’s President William Ruto has called for the alleged perpetrator to be sent to jail.
“What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola is a kin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr Makenzi who pretends and postures as a pastor when in fact he is a terrible criminal,” he said
“Terrorist use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Makenzi are using religion to do the same thing… Let me say for the avoidance of doubt that people like Makenzi and all other terrorists and criminals do not belong to any religion, they belong to jail and that is where they should be.”
On Friday, police began digging the on Makenzi’s farm after they were told there were dozens of shallow graves on the property.
The pastor – who is now in police custody – has been on hunger strike for the past for days.
Makenzi has been arrested before.
In 2019 and in March this year, he was arrested relating to the deaths of children.
For both cases, he was released on bond with the cases still in court.
Local politicians have called for the court not to release Makenzi and warn that cults are on the rise in the Malindi area.
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The Roman described Christianity as the religion for women and slaves.
Christianity has been radically embraced by African-heritage people; to a degree that followers can be persuaded to starve themselves to death; as this Voice report reveals.