Cult probe: 47 deaths found after Kenyan pastor ordered members to "fast to death"

Kenyan police have exhumed 47 bodies from graves in the southeastern coastal community of Malindi.

The deceased, who were allegedly members of the Good News International Church, were reportedly instructed by their pastor, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, to deprive themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus".

According to Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), 58 graves have been identified to date, and the remains of minors have also been exhumed.

According to BBC, 15 church members were rescued alive from earthen graves in the Shakahola forest.

Authorities arrested Pastor Nthenge on April 15 after discovering four bodies believed to have starved to death.