Kenya Exhumes New Bodies Linked to Shakahola Starvation Cult

Kenyan forensic investigators have exhumed multiple bodies from new mass graves in Kilifi County, near the site of the 2023 Shakahola Forest Massacre, which involved over 400 deaths linked to a starvation cult led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie. Authorities uncovered five bodies from six graves, with remains including those of children aged between five and seven, and scattered body parts indicating possible foul play. Eleven people, mostly followers of Mackenzie, have been arrested in connection with the new findings, though three are considered victims. The discovery has prompted renewed concerns that the cult remains active, with allegations that Mackenzie continued to communicate with followers from jail. Kenyan officials have appealed for relatives of missing persons to provide DNA samples to aid identification efforts. The ongoing investigation has led to the adjournment of Mackenzie's trial as new evidence emerges, with authorities warning that many more graves remain to be exhumed in the vast area.