A family in Malindi is appealing for help to conduct a descent burial for four family members who perished in Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

The four deceased persons were followers of alleged cult that was led by controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie. The followers reportedly died fasting over a promise that they would meet Jesus if they starved themselves to death.

The bodies of the four was handed over to the family on March 26 after their DNA matched with family members. They were preserved at the Star Hospital Mortuary ahead of burial tomorrow (Friday, April 5).

The family belongs to Isaac Ngala, the GSU officer who quit his job to join the cult together with his wife Emily Wanje, 35, his mother and children. In total the family lost 8 family members but four are still missing.

Titus Ngonyo says they are burying four family members; his wife, son (the ex-GSU officer), daughter in law and grandchild.

When journalists visited the home in Myeye area of Malindi Sub-County, family members and relatives were doing fund raising to raise the money to conduct the burial.

Ngonyo says they dug a single grave with four chambers so as to reduce the costs as they have not received any help from the government as promised.

He says they had done a budget of KSh350,000 but have since raised only KSh250, 000, a budget deficit of KSh100,000.

The family has only one tent for mourners with no chairs, despite the area receiving rainfall.

Edward Mambo, a neighbour, says the community is mourning the loss of the family members which is a big blow.

“This family is appealing fot help so as to conduct a descent send off for their loved ones,” he said.