Shakahola Cult Deaths Have Risen To 58 - IG Koome

The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has announced that the death toll of the Shakahola cult in Kilifi County has risen to fifty-eight. 

Addressing the media on Monday, April 24, IG Koome revealed that by Sunday the number of confirmed deaths was at forty-seven but eleven more bodies have been exhumed bringing the total number to fifty-eight. 

“By yesterday, 47 people had been confirmed dead, however, today an additional 11 have been found therefore making the total number of confirmed deaths 58. This is out of bodies exhumed and those who died on the way to the hospital,” Koome said.

The IG at the same time noted that the police have rescued twenty-nine people from the cult.

Koome also stated that a  team of experts from the National Police Service (NPS) including forensic investigators, homicide detectives, general duty officers and government pathologists are on the ground conducting an investigation and rescue efforts.

This comes after President Ruto stated that controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie who is linked to the cult should be jailed saying his acts are akin to terrorism.

"What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola is akin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr Mackenzie who pretends and postures as a pastor when in fact he is a terrible criminal," he said.

He added, "Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mackenzie are using religion to do the same thing." Let me say for the avoidance of doubt that people like Mackenzie and all other terrorists and criminals do not belong to any religion, they belong to jail and that is where they should be."