Mother's Heartbreaking Wait for Sons' DNA Results Amid Cult Tragedy in Kenya

Carolyne Odour has recounted her desperate search for her two young sons, who vanished two months ago alongside their father, a follower of a notorious starvation cult leader. Amid an investigation into new potential deaths related to the cult, she confirmed the identity of her husband at a mortuary in Malindi after his body was discovered in July.

The discovery linked to the Shakahola Forest tragedy has left her in anguish as she awaits DNA test results on over 30 bodies exhumed in the area. Reports indicate that more than 400 bodies may be associated with the mass deaths linked to the cult.

I felt pain. I barely recognized him. His body was badly decomposing, said Ms. Odour, reflecting on the traumatic experience of identifying her husband, Samuel Owino Owoyo.

She explained that her sons, Daniel and Elijah, accompanied their father to Kwa Binzaro, a location connected with the cult's activities. Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie is currently facing trial for manslaughter, accused of leading his followers to believe that starvation was a path to heaven.

As investigations progress, Ms. Odour grapples with the heartbreaking uncertainty of her children's fate. A former devout husband, he turned increasingly away from formal education and medical care under the teachings of Mackenzie, leading to further distress in their family life.

Having embarked on a journey to reconcile with her husband’s changes, she now finds herself haunted by the disappearance of her children as she awaits their fate.

Daily, the sense of loss deepens, with every sight of children in school uniforms reminding her of her sons. I don’t know how they are doing, said Ms. Odour, capturing the agony of a mother in limbo.