Four die in Kenya while 'fasting to meet Jesus'

NAIROBI - Four people were on Thursday found dead and nearly a dozen others hospitalised in Kenya's coastal Kilifi county, after being rescued while waiting the imminent end of the world.

Police said the group was found in a forest where they had been living for several days after being told by a local preacher to fast while "waiting to meet Jesus."

The authorities said they rescued 11 people - six of them were emaciated and in critical condition.

Police said they will resume a search for more members of the group following reports that others were still in the forest.

Police are reported to have found a fresh grave in the forest which will be investigated.

The worshippers belong to Good News International Church that is led by a local pastor who has been on police radar for allegedly urging his followers to starve to death to reach heaven faster.

The pastor is currently out on police bail after he was charged last month over the death of two children whose parents are among his followers.

In Angola, two pastors of a religious sect, Army of Faith, have been arrested for allegedly donning replicas of Angolan Armed Forces uniforms, local media report.

Novo Jornal website reports that the two were arrested on Wednesday by officers from Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) "with red pins similar to the ones worn by army generals."

SIC spokesperson Manuel Halaiwa is quoted as saying the two will be charged with illegal use of military uniform and exercising illegal religious activities "because their sect is not registered."

It follows a viral video that showed the two pastors presiding over a ceremony attended by more than 80 youths - some of whom were dressed in replicas of army uniform.

The VOA recently reported that the government had launched a crackdown on unregistered churches and those that purport to perform miracles.