Shakahola massacre in Kenya: autopsies reveal missing organs on some of the bodies

Holes were dug to exhume the bodies of the victims of the Good News sect in the Shakahola forest on April 25, 223. AFP - YASUYOSHI CHIBA

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In Kenya, after the discovery of a hundred corpses in a forest in the south of the country, on April 25, autopsies reveal that organs were missing on some of the bodies, according to a court document seen Tuesday by AFP. A total of 133 people died in the "Shakahola Forest Massacre," pushed to extreme fasting by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie. Investigators suspect "well-coordinated organ trafficking."

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According to the Kenyan police, this network involves several actors. First, Pastor Paul Mackenzie. Several faithful of the International Church of the Good News remain missing, others died in mysterious ways and the bodies of the exhumed victims were found dissected, their organs removed, including their kidneys, according to the autopsy report.

Another actor targeted is Pastor Ezekiel Odero. Arrested last month, the influential man received "huge amounts of cash" from Mackenzie loyalists who had asked them to sell their properties.

Most of the victims died of starvation, probably after following Mackenzie's sermon, who claimed that fasting until death allowed them to "meet Jesus."

Home Minister Kithure Kindiki, who was at the scene yesterday, said it was "one of the worst tragedies" Kenya has ever seen. The minister warned that several more graves are at risk of being discovered in what he calls "a highly organized crime".

To date, twenty-five people have been arrested.

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  • Kenya
  • Justice