More than 300 people died in connection with hunger strike sect in Kenya

Kenyan officials say the death toll linked to a sect that calls for hunger strikes to “meet Jesus” has surpassed 300.

"The death toll has risen to 303, after officials exhumed 19 more bodies," Kenya Coastal Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said on June 13.

Police believe most of the bodies discovered in the Shakahola forest, near the eastern town of Malindi, were followers of Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the leader of the International Evangelical Church. Mackenzie is accused of urging followers to fast to death to “meet Jesus”.

Mackenzie, 50, was arrested on April 14 and faces "terrorism" charges in what has been described as the "Shakahola Forest massacre" that has shocked the East African nation.

Most of the victims died of starvation, but some, including children, showed signs of strangulation, beatings or suffocation, according to Kenyan government pathologist Johansen Oduor.

Searchers move a body found in Shakahola Forest, near the town of Malindi, eastern Kenya on April 25. Photo: AFP

The tragedy shocked Kenyans. President William Ruto announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry and a task force to review the regulations governing religious organizations in Kenya.

The International Evangelical Church was founded in Kenya in 2003 by Mackenzie and his wife, Joyce Mwikamba, as a small missionary center. Mackenzie previously worked as a taxi driver in Nairobi from 1997 to 2003. During this time, he was arrested four times for his sermons, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

As the organization began to grow, the Mackenzies moved to the village of Migingo in Malindi, where they established a church. Mackenzie attracted a large following, largely through his claims that he could communicate with God.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP )

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