Shakahola massacre: Death toll reaches 89

At least 89 bodies have so far been recovered from mass graves in the Shakahola Forest in Malindi, Kilifi County.

In an update by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki who visited the place, the number rose following the exhumation of 16 more bodies on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, as the operation entered day five.

Kindiki says so far, 34 victims have been rescued alive from the cult identified as Good News International Church under its leader Paul Mackenzie who is in police custody alongside 14 others as the probe into the deaths continues.

The CS also noted that the controversial pastor and cult leader will be charged with terrorism and crimes of genocide under international law.

“I want to encourage the Director of Public Prosecutions that it is not far-fetched to build a case of terrorism from what we have witnessed from this scene of the crime. It is not impossible.

“The purported use of the Bible to kill people cannot be tolerated. The government has nothing to hide and will ensure we convict Mackenzie with the most severe punishment available,” Kindiki said.

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