On Monday, Kenyan President William Ruto vowed to take decisive action against “terrorist” cults that exploit religion, following the deaths of 58 cult members in the eastern part of the country. The incident has triggered a nationwide discussion about security measures and legal loopholes that allow such organizations to operate.
Authorities are currently conducting search operations in the Shakahola forest, located near the coastal town of Malindi. In recent days, numerous bodies have been discovered in mass graves, and the search is ongoing.
On Monday, Japhet Koome, the police chief of Kenya, announced that 58 individuals have been “officially confirmed deceased.” Koome stated that this number comprises individuals who perished on their way to the hospital as well as those whose corpses have already been exhumed.
As per court papers reviewed by AFP, the deceased are members of the Good News International Church, helmed by Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who presents himself as a “pastor” and promotes the practice of fasting as a means of “meeting Jesus.” Initially, the police referred to Nthenge as Makenzie Nthenge.