Kenya starvation cult: Death toll hits 226 as police find more bodies, rescue one

Kenyan police say they have found more bodies from the starvation cult that has killed at least 226 people.

One person was found alive by emergency teams, Rhoda Onyancha, regional commissioner, said on Wednesday.

Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, the cult leader and founder of the Good News International Church, has been accused of inciting his followers to starve to death so they could meet Jesus before the rest of the world.

Although autopsies began two weeks ago, authorities said they would still look for remains and scout the area for any survivors as nearly 600 people are still reported missing.

Investigators said 112 autopsies have been carried out, most of which showed that the individual died of hunger.

Others, including children, showed signs of strangulation, being beaten, or suffocated.

Last week, police said autopsies revealed missing organs and raised suspicions of forced harvesting.

The tragic story has shocked Kenyans and prompted President William Ruto to form a task force to review laws controlling religious organisations as well as a commission to investigate the fatalities.

TheCable reported how Ezekiel Odero, a controversial pastor in Kenya, had also been linked to the casualties from the starvation cult after some people who died at his church were buried on a piece of land in Shakahola forest belonging to Nthenge.