In a shocking continuation of events from 2023, nine more bodies have been exhumed from recently identified graves associated with the notorious starvation cult led by Paul Mackenzie. The investigation, prompted by the mysterious disappearance of children, has revealed that the horrifying mass deaths may still be an active concern. Authorities have emphasized the urgency for public assistance in identifying the deceased.
New Developments in Kenya's Cult-Related Tragedy as More Bodies Discovered

New Developments in Kenya's Cult-Related Tragedy as More Bodies Discovered
The ongoing investigation into the deadly starvation cult in Kenya has unearthed additional remains, raising concerns about the cult's activity.
Authorities have exhumed a total of nine new bodies from graves linked to the starvation cult led by Paul Mackenzie, whose extreme beliefs reportedly encouraged followers to fast to death. The investigation—spurred by missing children—raises alarms over possible ongoing cult activities. Pathologists expect further discoveries, with public assistance sought for missing loved ones.
The chilling revelations began in 2023 when over 400 bodies were discovered in Shakahola Forest, a remote area near Malindi, believed to be linked to the followers of self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie. Mackenzie has been accused of promoting the dangerous idea that starvation would lead his followers to heaven quicker. As authorities continue to dig, fears have resurfaced, particularly after Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen voiced concerns about Mackenzie allegedly communicating with adherents from jail.
Following reports of children’s disappearances, authorities resumed excavations in July, leading to the latest exhumations. Just a few days ago, five bodies were found in Kwa Binzaro village, and four more were uncovered soon after. Richard Njoroge, the government pathologist involved in the case, indicated that further searches are planned, suggesting that the grave sites are extensive and may contain more remains.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, monitoring the exhumations, noted disturbing signs of possible foul play at one site. He observed that although some bodies were recently buried, others appeared to have been there longer. Khalid drew attention to the unsettling absence of remains at another location, where remnants of child and women’s clothing hinted at a potential targeted group among the victims.
The situation echoes earlier proclamations by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in which authorities hinted that those entombed may have suffered grotesque fates due to "extreme religious ideologies". The urgency of the matter has prompted appeals for individuals who suspect their loved ones may be missing to report to the Malindi District Hospital, where DNA samples can be collected. As more sites are scheduled for exhumation, the public remains on high alert, questioning the extent of the cult’s influence and its tragic ramifications.
The chilling revelations began in 2023 when over 400 bodies were discovered in Shakahola Forest, a remote area near Malindi, believed to be linked to the followers of self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie. Mackenzie has been accused of promoting the dangerous idea that starvation would lead his followers to heaven quicker. As authorities continue to dig, fears have resurfaced, particularly after Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen voiced concerns about Mackenzie allegedly communicating with adherents from jail.
Following reports of children’s disappearances, authorities resumed excavations in July, leading to the latest exhumations. Just a few days ago, five bodies were found in Kwa Binzaro village, and four more were uncovered soon after. Richard Njoroge, the government pathologist involved in the case, indicated that further searches are planned, suggesting that the grave sites are extensive and may contain more remains.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, monitoring the exhumations, noted disturbing signs of possible foul play at one site. He observed that although some bodies were recently buried, others appeared to have been there longer. Khalid drew attention to the unsettling absence of remains at another location, where remnants of child and women’s clothing hinted at a potential targeted group among the victims.
The situation echoes earlier proclamations by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in which authorities hinted that those entombed may have suffered grotesque fates due to "extreme religious ideologies". The urgency of the matter has prompted appeals for individuals who suspect their loved ones may be missing to report to the Malindi District Hospital, where DNA samples can be collected. As more sites are scheduled for exhumation, the public remains on high alert, questioning the extent of the cult’s influence and its tragic ramifications.