The bodies of 58 people who died of starvation and are believed to be linked to a religious cult have been exhumed in Kenya. Photo courtesy of the Kenya National Police
April 25 (UPI) — Kenyan authorities say 58 people have been confirmed dead during an investigation into a cult that appears to have starved its followers to death.
The investigation began in March after reports of the deaths of two children allegedly starving to death with Kenya National Police Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie. said
After his arrest, police said 50 bodies had been dug up from shallow graves and 29 people had been rescued alive.
“As a matter of service, we strongly condemn any religious organizations that promote extremist beliefs and operate outside the law, endanger the safety and well-being of Kenyans and violate basic human rights, in this case the right to life,” the police said in a statement.
Mackenzie is suspected of leading a religious cult called the Good News International Church, police said. Mackenzie was arrested in March, re-arrested on April 14 and surrendered to police on April 17.
According to police, the investigation is ongoing.
