Detectives on Friday exhumed 29 more bodies from the 800-acre Shakahola forest where followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie are believed to have been buried.
Coast Regional commissioner Rhoda Onyancha confirmed that so far the death toll has reached 179.
During her daily briefing at the Shakahola command centre, Onyancha said 609 people have so far been reported missing.
She said the operation to rescue the followers is still going ongoing.
The regional commissioner added that exhumation will continue to ensure all bodies buried in the forest are recovered.
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