10 more bodies found in graves at Kilifi pastor Mackenzie's cultic church land

On Saturday, the search for victims of a suspected cult led to the discovery of ten additional bodies buried in graves on a piece of land in Shakahola village, Kilifi County. 

Homicide detectives, who are leading the search, believe that the land belongs to the cult leader, Paul Mackenzie. 

Despite heavy rainfall, authorities continued with the exhumations, dividing themselves into three groups to expedite the process.

One of the graves contained the remains of five family members, including a father, mother, and their three children. 

The discovery of these ten bodies brings the total number of bodies found since the search began on Friday to seventeen, out of a total of thirty-two potential sites.

Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, has been accused of encouraging his followers to fast to death. He was arrested on April 15 and has remained in police custody since the Malindi High Court denied him bail. 

On Monday, he appeared before the Malindi Chief Magistrate alongside thirteen others. 

The prosecution has requested thirty more days to complete their investigation.

Although seven of Mackenzie's followers have been described as victims and will receive counselling, he and six of his followers will remain in police custody for an additional fourteen days. 

Despite being on a hunger strike and refusing water, Mackenzie's detention will not impede the ongoing exhumation exercise, according to a police source.