APA – Nairobi (Kenya) – Forty-seven bodies have been found dumped in shallow graves in Kenya after a preacher told them they could “meet Jesus” if they starved themselves to death, local media reported Monday quoting the Kenyan Police.
Corpses of children were counted among the dead, but more may be uncovered as exhumations continue, according to the police.
The crude graves were found in Shakahola forest, Malindi, where the Good News International Church had been operating, and where 15 members were rescued last week.
The head of the church, Paul Makenzie Nthenge, is in custody awaiting a date for a court hearing, it said.
Among the victims includes Betty, an air hostess with Qatar Airways who quit her job, sold her land and donated it all to Malindi cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
Her friends and colleagues are still in shock that she was lured to the “church” in Shakahola, Kilifi County, where police on Sunday exhumed 18 additional bodies bringing the total number of recovered corpses to 39.
The tragic story began when Betty reportedly jetted into Kenya after her son Jason was allegedly forced to fast while she was in Qatar and sadly passed on.
After receiving the news while at work in Qatar, she reportedly came for the burial but was never to be traced again.
CU/as/APA