Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made a startling revelation on Thursday, May 25, as he uncovered the secluded mud house of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie deep within Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.

In a statement, Kindiki informed the public that Mackenzie, from Good News International Church, had constructed the mud grass-thatched house as a central hub for his operations. To ensure isolation, Mackenzie had also built small dams in the vicinity to support his farming endeavors.

Photographs released by the Ministry of Interior showcased the area, which featured three houses without clear demarcations.

Upon exploring one of the houses, it became evident that the living conditions were disorganized, with household items scattered and some appearing broken.

"During my visit to Shakahola Forest, I discovered where rogue preacher Mackenzie was residing. He had constructed dams for irrigation and was cultivating various food crops, despite radicalizing his followers to the point of starvation," stated Kindiki.

Local residents were left amazed and wondered why Mackenzie had left his luxurious home in Malindi to relocate to the forest.

Earlier on May 1, angry Kilifi residents raided Mackenzie's mansion in the Furunzi area after the controversial preacher left in the company of police officers.

Meanwhile, CS Kindiki announced the government's plan to construct roads within Shakahola Forest to enable police officers to access other areas believed to be connected to the crime scene.

"The government will build security roads within Chakama Ranch to facilitate the movement of ground troops in combing the vast forest and collaborating with the team conducting aerial surveillance, ensuring the rescue of anyone still hidden in the thickets," announced Kindiki.

Prior to this intervention, law enforcement officers expressed concerns that other victims were attempting to flee towards Galana Kulalu and Tsavo National Park.

"We believe that more victims are trapped in the forest and some are trying to escape from Mackenzie's land and Chakama Ranch. We have managed to rescue some of them. Unfortunately, yesterday, May 24, one of the rescued individuals lost their life due to their refusal to eat. We made every effort to feed them, but their resistance had already weakened them," he explained.

Currently, the total number of bodies recovered from the forest stands at 241, including five skeletons.