Thirty-two bodies have been exhumed in southeastern Kenya’s Kwa Binzaro village, with authorities linking the deaths to the same Christian sect blamed for the deaths of over 400 people in the nearby Shakahola Forest in 2023.
The cult, led by Paul Mackenzie, allegedly ordered followers to starve themselves and their children to reach heaven before the world ended. Mackenzie faces charges of murder and terrorism but denies the accusations.
The exhumations, which began last week, have sparked fresh criticism of the government’s efforts to crack down on extremist sects.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid condemned the authorities’ approach, saying, “What we are witnessing is a betrayal. A betrayal of the most sacred duty of any state – to protect the lives of its citizens.”
Eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, and relatives of cult members are anxiously awaiting DNA tests to determine if their loved ones are among the dead.
The government had pledged to tighten oversight of religious organizations and strengthen community-based surveillance after the Shakahola Forest discoveries. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies.
