Photo courtesy The Standard

Four people have been found dead and eleven others rushed to hospital in Kilifi after being rescued from a forest where it seems they were starving themselves to death at the behest of a religious cult. At least four people are known to have died.

The emaciated people were found in Shakahola Forest within Langobaya in Malindi sub-county where they had been living for several days.

Prepare ‘to Meet Jesus’

It is believed they had been brainwashed by a local pastor named as Makenzie Nthenge of Good News international church, to prepare ‘to meet Jesus’

Authorities received reports on Thursday that “there were ignorant citizens who were starving to death in pretext to meet Jesus after being brainwashed by a suspect one Makenzie Nthenge a pastor of Good news international church.”

And when they went to the forest, they located the group and six of them were in emaciated and in a critical condition.

Reports of a Mass Grave

The Police search and rescue operation is ongoing in the forest following reports that there could be more people affected, and reports of a mass grave where others were buried recently.

Police investigations show unknown number of people had retreated into the forest with the influence of the pastor.

According to police who spoke to some of the victims and witnesses, once in the forest, vulnerable individuals, including young children were subjected to strict rules and practices that compromised their health,

Police said they had launched an investigation and a manhunt for the rogue pastor who last month had ben freed on a Sh100,000 bond last month.

‘Pastor’ Makenzie Nthenge has reportedly since been arrested and charged.