Kenya
The death toll in the Shakahola massacre has risen to 179
New bodies were discovered on Friday, raising the “Shagahola massacre” toll.
Posted
Autopsies conducted on the first bodies reveal that most of the victims died of starvation.
AFP
Kenyan investigators recovered 29 more bodies on Friday, bringing the death toll to 179. “The Shakahola Massacre” In a forest in southeastern Kenya, a sect met, whose leader suggested fasting to “meet Jesus.”
Police believe most of the bodies found near the coastal town of Malindi are members of the sect. Mackenzie where is Paul?A former taxi driver, the self-proclaimed “Pastor” of the International Church of Good News (Good News International Church) he founded.
Announcing the latest assessment, the region’s head of state, Rhoda Onyanja, said no one had been rescued in the heavily wooded area on Friday. Heavy rain last week hampered search and dig operations, which did not resume until Tuesday.
They starved to death
According to Rhoda Onyanja, about 25 people were arrested, including thugs who were responsible for checking that Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and any follower did not break their fast or escape from the forest. Paul Nthenge Mackenzie was remanded in custody by a court on Wednesday.
A judge in Mombasa (South East) extended the custody of 17 co-defendants, including “Pastor” Mackenzie and his wife, to 30 days from May 2. The 50-year-old “Pastor” surrendered to the police on April 14.
From the autopsies performed on the first bodies, it appears that most of the victims died of starvation, perhaps after following Paul Nthenge Mackenzie’s sermons. However, some victims, including children, were strangled, beaten or suffocatedJohansen Odur, head of forensic operations, said recently.
“The Missing Organs”
It was also revealed in the autopsy “Some bodies are missing parts”, according to the Directory of Criminal Investigations, it triggers “a well-coordinated trafficking in human organs involving multiple actors.” However, Home Affairs Secretary Kiture Kindiki urged caution on the matter, saying it was “a theory we are investigating”.
The massacre has reignited debate over the oversight of worship in Kenya, a predominantly Christian country with 4,000 “churches,” according to official figures. President William Ruto has established a task force to “review the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations”.
(AFP)
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