Police exhume 21 bodies in Kenya in cult probe

According to police sources on Saturday, a total of 21 remains have been excavated in Kenya as part of an investigation into a cult whose members are thought to have starved to death. However, the number may increase.

Following the arrest of Makenzie Nthenge, who allegedly advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus," authorities had earlier reported seven deaths in connection with the probe in eastern Kenya.

“In total since yesterday, we have 21 bodies,” a police source told AFP on condition of anonymity, referring to exhumations in the Shakahola forest outside the coastal town of Malindi.

“We have not even scratched the surface which gives a clear indication that we are likely to get more bodies by the end of this exercise,” the source added.

Under the same condition of anonymity, a second police source confirmed the same death toll.

According to one police source, the victims included at least three children.

According to local media, Nthenge, the head of the Good News International Church, surrendered to authorities and was charged last month after two kids died of starvation while in their parents' care.

Later, he was freed on a bail of 700 dollars ($100,000 Kenyan,).

Police discovered the bodies of four followers he allegedly urged to starve themselves so they might "meet Jesus"; they then reported his arrest on April 15.

On Friday, Kenyan police said that they had exhumed three additional remains.

After being rescued on April 14, eleven additional church members, the youngest of whom was just 17 years old, were brought to hospitals, with three of them being in critical condition.

After learning of the deaths of "ignorant citizens starving to death under the pretext of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed" by Nthenge, the police conducted a raid in the forest.

After learning of the deaths of "ignorant citizens starving to death under the pretext of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed" by Nthenge, the police conducted a raid in the forest.

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