Aston Lukoye
Following the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola forest in Malindi, Kilifi County, Inspector General of the National Police Service Mr Japhet Koome has promised a comprehensive investigation into the deaths linked to the Good News International Church cult
The operation, which has been ongoing for a week, has led to the arrest of the sect’s leader Makenzie Nthenge, who allegedly instructed his followers to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus”.
Japhet Koome condemns
During his visit to the site, Mr Koome condemned religious organizations that promoted extremist beliefs and operated outside the law, saying “stern action will be taken against them.” He added that forensic experts from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, government pathologists, and government chemists would be brought in to determine if some of the victims were murdered before being buried.
Search teams from the DCI’s Department of Homicide Investigations and the Forensic Crime Scene Investigations Unit have been carrying out the exhumation exercise systematically while gathering relevant samples for further forensic analysis and identification of the bodies. Mr Martin Nyuguto, the Director of Homicide at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said that his team had identified other sites where more bodies were believed to have been buried.
Volunteers from the Kenya Red Cross and contingents of police officers have been deployed in the expansive piece of land on a search and rescue mission.
Cult shocks country
The shocking discovery has sent shockwaves through the nation, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the deceased. The investigation into the cult and its practices is ongoing, and more information is expected to emerge as the exhumation exercise continues.
