The number of fatalities associated with the Shakahola bizarre cultic church has increased to 83, as law enforcement officials discovered ten additional bodies in a forested area within Kilifi County on Tuesday morning.
The newly discovered remains add to the previously exhumed total of 75 individuals who were believed to be adherents of the cultic church, which held the belief that they would attain entry into heaven by starving themselves to death.
The death count includes the eight members who perished following a police operation that uncovered the horrific conditions at the church.
Additionally, officers rescued two emaciated women who were on the verge of death due to severe malnutrition.
The women were promptly taken to Malindi Hospital for urgent medical attention.
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The ten bodies discovered on Tuesday were found in two separate locations, with five buried in one common grave and the remaining five scattered elsewhere.
The authorities have been searching the 800-acre plot of land that belongs to Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the cult, since last week.
Mackenzie was apprehended on April 14 following a tip-off that led to the discovery of shallow graves containing some of his followers' remains.
Mackenzie, who heads the Good News International Church, appeared before Malindi Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui and did not enter a plea to the charges leveled against him.
The prosecution has requested an additional 30 days to conclude its investigations into the matter.
Thirteen other individuals implicated in the case were arraigned alongside Mackenzie, and the proceedings are scheduled to continue on May 2
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