A family in Kisii was elated after finally reuniting with their long-lost kin who went missing six months ago.
The victim's wife, Nyatich, noted that her husband was rescued alongside nine others during a rescue operation that took place on Monday, April 24, 2023, at Shakahola forest in Malindi, Kilifi county.
He is said to have left Kisii for Malindi in October last year and joined controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie's church cult where they fasted in hopes of meeting Jesus after they died from starvation.
Nyatich was forced to travel to Malindi in search of her missing husband following pressure from other family members.
"My in-laws have been demanding that I leave to go look for their son. I cannot believe I have found him alive. I’m overwhelmed with joy,” Nyatich said.
Her husband together with the other victims was found emaciated and weak. They were taken to the Malindi sub-county hospital for treatment.
Mackenzie who leads the Good News International Church has made headlines after reports emerged that he had lured his followers to death using his ominous teachings on the end times.
He is said to have convinced his followers to fast to death as they pray in order to meet Jesus.
The man of the cloth is currently in custody alongside 14 others as investigations continue.
Rescue operations have since been ongoing and so far 73 bodies have been recovered from mass graves in the pastor's forest in Malindi, Kiilifi county.
