Shakahola cult: Ten more bodies exhumed as death toll rises to 274

Ten more bodies have been exhumed at the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County where the search for victims of a suspected starvation cult led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie is ongoing.

The death toll now stands at 274 after phase three of the exhumation exercise kicked off on Monday, June 5.

According to Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, the number of victims who have been identified by their kin still remains at 19 while those still missing are 613.

Ms. Onyancha said that the number of DNA samples collected also still stands at 93.

She however noted that there were neither arrests nor rescuees made on Friday, hence these remain at 35 and 95 respectively as well.

The exhumation process is set to continue on Monday.

The alleged cult is linked to Good News International Church pastor Mackenzie, who is accused of brainwashing his followers to starve themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus."