The death toll found in mass graves in eastern Kenya has risen to 95. A cult leader is believed to have urged his followers to starve themselves and their children. – We have dug up five more graves, which means that a total of 95 people have lost their lives, says Police Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha to the AFP news agency. The majority of the dead are children, three sources told AFP. According to the Red Cross, the death toll is believed to rise further. The aid organization says that 311 people, including 150 children, have been reported missing in the region. The movement’s leader, Makenzie Nthenge, who allegedly urged his followers to starve themselves to “meet Jesus”, has been arrested. To be heard in court Nthenge surrendered to police and was charged last month after two children starved to death in their parents’ custody, local media reports. He has since been released on bail. Nthenge is now again said to be in police custody after once again surrendering to the authorities. He will be heard in court on May 2. A member of the movement found by the authorities reportedly refused to eat even though she was clearly suffering, said Hussein Khalid, of the organization Haki Africa, who tipped off the police about the movement’s actions.
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