Twenty-one bodies were found in the forest, in eastern Kenyaa, in the context of an investigation into the death of followers of a sect whose leader was arrested last week and he reportedly encouraged them to fast to death to “meet Jesus,” according to two police sources today.

As of Friday, when the exhumation began, “we had a total of 21 bodies” in the Sakahol forest, a police source told AFP on condition of anonymity. “We’ve only scratched the surface, which means we’ll have more dead people” when the search is complete, he added.

Another police source confirmed this figure.

One of the two sources said the victims included at least three children.

Last week, the bodies of four members of the Good News International Church, led by Paul Mackenzie Dengue, were already discovered. The police searched the area as there was information about her the existence of a mass grave in this forest.

Eleven other believers, seven men and four women, aged from 17 to 49 years oldwere taken to hospitals last week after being rescued from the Sakahol forest.

Mackenzie Dengue surrendered to police on April 15 and was taken into custody.

In a report obtained by Agence France-Presse, the police said they received information that “people have died of starvation under the pretense of meeting Jesus after being brainwashed by the suspect, Mackenzie Dengue, pastor of Good News International Church.”

According to local media reports, the pastor was arrested last month. he was prosecuted after two children starved to deathunder parental care. Mackenzie Dengue was subsequently released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings (the equivalent of approximately €670). Six believers were also arrested.

The case will be heard in local court on May 2.

Source: APE-Reuters.