Piece by: EMMANUEL WANJALA

25 May 2023

• Some 241 bodies have so far been exhumed from shallow graves in the forest since the horrific cultic occurrences came to light on April 14.

• During the visit, Kindiki said the search and rescue efforts within the Shakahola forest have continued uninterrupted.

The government on Thursday served the public a rare glimpse of Pastor Paul Mackenzie's shanty where he was reportedly staying during his vocational work inside Shakahola Forest.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki posted photos on social media as he visited the shackle that looked a little more like a dumpsite than a house.

The mud-walled house was littered with garments and plastics strewn across the room, painting the picture of squalid living conditions.

During the visit, Kindiki said the search and rescue efforts within the Shakahola Forest have continued uninterrupted.

"Visited part of Shakahola Forest where rogue preacher Mackenzie was residing, constructed dams for irrigation and was growing various food crops despite radicalising his followers to starve to death," the CS said.

Some 241 bodies have so far been exhumed from shallow graves in the forest since the horrific cultic occurrences came to light on April 14.

Police have so far arrested 39 people and rescued 91 others from the forest. Mackenzie has been accused of brainwashing the victims into starving to death on the belief that they would meet Jesus.

Kindi said security agencies are pulling all stops to ensure any person who may still be within the forest is rescued.

"The government will construct security roads within Chakama Ranch to enable the ground troops to comb the expansive forest and combine forces with the team conducting aerial surveillance to ensure any person still holed up in the thickets is rescued," he said.