Kenya’s security minister says the deaths of more than 300 people linked to a doomsday cult in the Shakahola forest is the worst security breach in the country’s history.
Ten more bodies were exhumed from the forest on Tuesday raising the death toll to 360.
Appearing before a Senate committee, the minister, Prof Kithure Kindiki, further said that the suspected cult leader, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge’s activities, were reported from as early as 2020.
“A report was filed at the Langobaya police station. No action was taken. Some of the officers and judicial officers must answer that question,” he said.
It is estimated that at least 339 members of the Good News International Church either starved to death, were brutally beaten, or were strangled in the Shakahola forest in southeast Kenya.
Mr. Mackenzie, the cult leader, allegedly persuaded his members to starve to death so they might see Jesus while preaching that the world was going to end.
Mr. Mackenzie is not currently officially charged.