The second phase of the exhumation of bodies from the Shakahola forest now enters day 4 with five more bodies exhumed on Thursday.
According to a report issued by Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha, the latest recovery now brings the tally of dead bodies recovered from the forest to 150.
Onyancha further revealed that two men were rescued, bringing the total of those rescued to 72 in the second phase, which kicked off on Tuesday.
Onyancha said the search for 594 people reported to be missing continues.
The country was astonished by the discovery of the graves in the thickets of Shakahola in Kilifi County, the entire revelation has now been dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre”.
Controversial Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who is the main suspect in the incidences is facing terrorism charges for allegedly urging followers to starve to death “to meet Jesus.”
Mackenzie is facing the charges along with 17 other defendants.
Autopsies on the first 100 bodies indicate that starvation is the leading cause of death, with some victims — including children — being strangled, beaten, or suffocated.
Prosecutors on Tuesday requested to hold Mackenzie for 30 more days until investigations are completed.