Kenyan authorities have begun autopsies on more than 100 bodies linked to a religious cult whose leader allegedly instructed them to starve themselves to death, in the belief that it would take them to heaven first.
The Good News International Church, based in the Shakahola Forest in eastern Kenya, has seen 109 of its followers die in one of the worst cult-related tragedies in recent history.
Since April 21, officials have recovered 101 bodies from shallow graves, while eight cult members died later.
However, more than 300 people have been reported missing, indicating that the death toll is likely to rise further.
The cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, has been in police custody since April 14, along with 14 other cult members.
Mackenzie has made no public comment and is reportedly refusing food and water. The autopsies will be conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor and his team.
The process will examine all possibilities, including whether some bodies have missing organs, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Children account for most of the bodies recovered so far.
The government is also collecting DNA samples from those who reported missing relatives to match with the recovered bodies, a process that will take at least a month, said Oduor.
On Sunday, President William Ruto announced that he would appoint a judicial commission of inquiry this week to probe the tragedy in Shakahola.
The tragedy has shocked the nation, and Kenyan authorities are under pressure to take swift action against the cult and its leaders.
The autopsies and investigations are an important step towards justice for the victims and their families.
Such incidents highlight the need for greater public awareness and education on the dangers of cults and their destructive ideologies.
