Mombasa — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now says some of the 65 followers of controversial cult leader Paul Mackenzie accused of attempting suicide had buried their children, wives and husbands in Shakahola forest under unclear circumstances.

The investigative agency pointed out that DNA sampling was conducted, and profiling has been underway to arraign them before the court with murder and other offences against humanity charges.

Senior Prosecution Counsel Jami Yamina asked the Shanzu Magistrate Court to allow the police to transfer the 65 victims from a rescue centre to a prison facility.

They had been arrested for attempted suicide after refusing to eat following their rescue.

They were on Monday brought before Shanzu Magistrate Court after they staged hunger strike betwen June 6 and June 10.

The DCI officer investigating the case had told the court that the 65 respondents (victims) were rescued from the bushes of Shakahola on diverse dates between May 20 and June 6.

During the rescue mission they were all in critical condition and were found with signs of starvation.

They were taken for treatment and thereafter taken to a rescue centre.

However, while at the rescue centre they declined to take their meals; that is their breakfast, lunch and supper served to them from June 6 to June 10, claiming that they wanted to die and meet their creator (God).

They also denied the minors who were among them the right to food by forcing them to fast.

The Court was on Thursday expected to rule on whether they will be transferred to prison or continue being held at a rescue centre.