Pastor Paul Mackenzie Nthenge.

Nairobi, May 17 (RHC) With the discovery of 15 new corpses, there are now 226 deaths in a messianic sect whose leader urged them fast to meet Christ.

The information provided by police authorities indicates that the total number of suspects detained remains at 31, while the number of people reported missing remains at 610.

The tragedy occurred in Shakahola forest, in the coastal county of Kilifi, in the south of the country, where numerous graves and mass graves were found, as well as people in very serious condition who died later in hospitals, where they were taken after being discovered fasting.

Subsequent autopsies showed signs of starvation, but the bodies of at least three minors and one adult also bore traces of strangulation and asphyxiation.

According to sources, investigations suggest that the worshippers were forced to continue the fast even if they wanted to abandon it, allegedly persuaded by pastor Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, who is in custody along with his wife and other suspects.

Kenyan President William Ruto apologized on Sunday on behalf of his government for not having been able to prevent the deaths and instructed the formation of a commission of specialists to investigate the formation of the cult, its roots, and its effects on society. (Source: PL)