The exhumation of bodies in the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County, Kenya, continues to uncover grim details related to the activities of a religious sect linked to Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church.
Phase five of the exhumation process, which began last week Monday, has led to the discovery of two additional bodies, bringing the total number exhumed in this phase to 21. This brings the overall death toll to 450 individuals associated with this tragic case.
During this phase, more than 30 graves have been opened, and out of the bodies recovered, 32 have been positively identified through DNA testing conducted at the Malindi morgue in Kilifi County. The identification process is crucial for ensuring that the remains are correctly matched with their respective families, although it may take time for all results to be finalized.
Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor emphasized that the exhumation and investigation are being carried out meticulously, with autopsies providing essential forensic evidence. Homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have focused their efforts on approximately 50 graves near areas previously excavated, indicating the intensity of their scrutiny in this sensitive case.
The victims are believed to be followers of a radical religious doctrine allegedly promoted by Pastor Paul Mackenzie, which reportedly led to numerous deaths due to extreme fasting practices. Mackenzie and nearly 100 others were arrested in April of the previous year, facing serious charges including murder, manslaughter, and child torture related to the events in Shakahola.
