Shakahola starvation cult: 15 more bodies exhumed as death toll rises to 318

Fifteen more bodies were exhumed on Wednesday at the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County where the search for victims of a starvation cult is ongoing.

The death toll now stands at 318 after phase three of the exhumation exercise kicked off last week.

According to the police officers leading the operation, one suspect was arrested, bringing the total number of arrests so far to 36.

However, the detectives noted that no rescue was made, hence the number of people rescued still stands at 95. 

The number of victims who have been identified by their kin still remains at 19 while those missing are 613.

Meanwhile, DNA samples collected are 93.

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