Kenyan police have arrested a local cult leader, Makenzie Nthenge, following the tragic death of four of his followers who were reportedly instructed to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus.” Eleven other followers, who were found in critical condition, were rescued and taken to the hospital from the Shakahola forest near the town of Malindi.
Nthenge surrendered to the police and is currently in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Monday.
According to the police, there are concerns that more victims may be discovered, as they suspect there could be a mass grave in the forest where other followers may be buried.
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The police report states that Nthenge, a pastor of Good News International Church, had allegedly brainwashed his followers into starving themselves under the pretext of meeting Jesus.
This is not the first time Nthenge has faced charges related to starvation, as he was previously arrested and charged for the deaths of two children who were starved to death in the custody of their parents. He was later released on bail of 100,000 Kenyan shillings ($700).
