Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – The death toll of the Kenya starvation cult has sadly risen once again. This time, 19 additional bodies were discovered, bringing the total number of those killed to 303. The announcement was made by Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha.
The cult, known formally as the Ministry of Holistic Healing and Wellness, was founded in 2014 by self-proclaimed prophet Wycliffe Ochieng. Over the years, the Ministry grew to attract hundreds of followers who believed that Ochieng had been chosen by God to lead them in their quest for salvation. However, this quest led to their tragic and untimely deaths.
One member of the cult, who remains anonymous, told reporters that they were instructed to stop eating and drinking because Ochieng had received a message from God that they would be saved from starvation. This message was believed to be a prophecy that tested the followers’ faith and obedience.
The cult’s compound was raided in late May after neighbours made a complaint to authorities. When they arrived, they found dozens of malnourished and dehydrated cult members, and several bodies piled up in a mass grave. The authorities were quick to identify the cause of death as starvation and dehydration.
Onyancha said that investigations into the Ministry and its leaders are still ongoing. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable,” she said.
The tragedy has sparked outrage and condemnation from across the world, with experts and human rights groups calling for increased efforts to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. “The deaths of these innocent people are a stark reminder of the dangers of blind obedience and the importance of safeguarding against religious extremism,” said one prominent human rights activist.
As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the truth will be revealed and justice will be served for the victims and their families. It is a reminder that caution should be taken when joining a religious or spiritual movement and that critical thinking and logic should always be applied.