UPDATE - Death toll in Kenyan starvation cult rises to 58 as investigation continues

REVISES DEATH TOLL, ADDS QUOTE FROM KENYAN LEADER; CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - The death toll from a Christian cult in Kenya that practiced starvation has risen to 58, police said Monday.

Japheth Koome, Kenya's inspector general of police, said 11 more bodies had been exhumed.

Koome, who spoke to journalists after visiting the scene, said 29 people who were severely malnourished had been rescued and taken to the hospital.

"Fifty-eight people have been confirmed dead and 29 have been rescued. The death toll includes both the numbers of those who were exhumed and those who died on their way to the hospital," he said.

Police in Kenya have said that with the increasing death toll, it is possible that more bodies will be found, as the Red Cross has reported that 112 people are missing in the area according to their records.

The cult members who died believed that they would meet Jesus if they starved themselves.

The police had launched an investigation into the cult following the rescue of emaciated churchgoers on April 14. The cult leader, Paul Makenzie Nthenge, who is now in police custody, had convinced his followers to starve themselves.

Kenyan President William Ruto broke his silence over the deaths on Monday, deeming them an act of terrorism.

"What we are seeing in Kilifi, Shakahola is akin to terrorism. There is no difference between Mr. Mackenzie, who pretends and postures as a pastor, when in fact he is a terrible criminal,” Ruto said.

The investigation is ongoing, and the police say they are working to identify the bodies and notify their families.