Sixty-five survivors of a Kenyan Christian cult are currently facing charges of attempted suicide for their refusal to consume meals provided to them at the rescue center where they were taken.
During the court proceedings on Monday, the prosecution sought to have the survivors detained in prison, allowing for mental and medical evaluations as the rescue center could no longer accommodate them. A decision regarding this application is expected later this week.
In Kenya, it is considered a criminal offense to take one’s own life, a law originally established by British colonizers. However, in England, these laws were abolished over 60 years ago.
Advocates in Kenya are now fighting to bring an end to such legislation within their country as well.
The 65 survivors are reported to be followers of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the alleged leader of the cult. It is believed that Pastor Mackenzie persuaded his congregants to engage in a fast leading to their deaths, with the belief that it would enable their ascension to heaven.
Thus far, authorities have discovered over 280 bodies in shallow graves within the extensive Shakahola forest near the coast, where the pastor operated. On Monday, an additional ten bodies were exhumed.
Autopsy reports have indicated that most of the victims, including children, perished from starvation, while others were subjected to strangulation, physical assault, or suffocation.