Carolyne Odour has told the BBC she desperately fears for the fate of her two young sons, Daniel, 12, and Elijah, 9, who went missing two months ago with their father, Samuel Owino Owoyo, a follower of a notorious starvation cult leader, Paul Mackenzie. In a tragic turn of events, Ms. Odour identified her husband's body at a mortuary in Malindi. His corpse was found decomposing in Kwa Binzaro village, near the Shakahola Forest, where the remains of over 400 victims were unearthed in one of the worst cases of cult-related mass deaths in Kenya's history.
As she awaits DNA test results on more than 30 recently unearthed bodies, Ms. Odour recalls that her husband had become increasingly entranced by the teachings of Mr. Mackenzie over the past few years, leading to a breakdown in their marriage over disagreements regarding education and medical care for their children. Ms. Odour’s last conversation with her husband was disturbing; he assured her that they had 'gone,' leaving her to suspect foul play once he failed to contact her again.
The cult's leader, currently on trial for manslaughter, allegedly preached that fasting would hasten their followers' passage to heaven, contributing to the tragic events that unfolded. The situation has sparked further investigations and concerns over developing legislation to regulate religious organizations in Kenya.
In the meantime, Ms. Odour grapples with her immense pain and uncertainty, grieving not just the loss of her husband but also the whereabouts of her children. 'Every time I see a child wearing a uniform, I feel pain because of their absence,' she shares, as she continues to hold out hope for the return of her sons amidst a profound tragedy.
As she awaits DNA test results on more than 30 recently unearthed bodies, Ms. Odour recalls that her husband had become increasingly entranced by the teachings of Mr. Mackenzie over the past few years, leading to a breakdown in their marriage over disagreements regarding education and medical care for their children. Ms. Odour’s last conversation with her husband was disturbing; he assured her that they had 'gone,' leaving her to suspect foul play once he failed to contact her again.
The cult's leader, currently on trial for manslaughter, allegedly preached that fasting would hasten their followers' passage to heaven, contributing to the tragic events that unfolded. The situation has sparked further investigations and concerns over developing legislation to regulate religious organizations in Kenya.
In the meantime, Ms. Odour grapples with her immense pain and uncertainty, grieving not just the loss of her husband but also the whereabouts of her children. 'Every time I see a child wearing a uniform, I feel pain because of their absence,' she shares, as she continues to hold out hope for the return of her sons amidst a profound tragedy.
