These are grotesque finds that have been made in the Shakahola forest in southeastern Kenya. The at least 103 people who have been confirmed dead were found in mass graves. According to the Red Cross, 300 people are still missing, many of whom are children.
– What strikes you is that the sect members who have been saved seem very indoctrinated, says Johan Ripås.
In a nearby hospital, people are waiting for signs of life from their relatives:
– My sister and I were members of the church from the beginning. But I left when it became too cult-like, says Bethy Kahindi, who has lost hope of finding her sister and her children.
Leader arrested
Cult leader Paul Makenzie Nthenge, who allegedly urged members and their children to starve themselves, has been arrested and will appear in court next week.
– Today, another pastor was arrested not far from Makenzie’s farm, who is also suspected of having caused mass death. It is an issue that is being tackled and that will grow in the country, says Johan Ripås.
Hear Johan Ripås about pastor Paul Makenzie Nthenge in the clip above.