The number of people confirmed murdered in the Shakahola cult investigation in Kilifi County increased to 58 on Monday afternoon, according to police.
Japhet Koome, Inspector-General of Police, informed reporters that as of Sunday evening, murder detectives and pathologists had confirmed the deaths of 47 persons, with 11 more bodies exhumed on Monday.
"This is from exhumed bodies and those who died while being taken to the hospital," Koome explained.
At the same time, 29 individuals were retrieved alive while police searched the Shakahola area, which had been closed off in the aftermath of the operation.
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Pastor Paul Makenzie Nthenge of the Good News International Church, the cult's leader, allegedly encouraged followers to starve themselves to see heaven and "meet Jesus."
He was arrested last month after two toddlers died of malnutrition while in the hands of their parents.
Police have arrested fourteen members of the cult so far.
