Kenya starvation cult death toll rises to 47

Kenyan police say 47 cult members who were convinced by their minister that they would meet Jesus if they starved themselves have died.

Search teams found 26 bodies in shallow graves Sunday in the coastal town of Malindi, on their minister’s property, increasing the death toll from last week’s discovery.

Paul Makenzie Nthenge, the leader of the Good News International Church, told his members they could meet Jesus if they starved themselves to death and some believed him.

Police received tips that there were likely more victims on the minister’s property. When police raided the location, they found 15 emaciated people. Four of them have since died.

Officials fear other members of the church may be hiding from authorities. The minister is in custody.