Kenya’s security minister says the deaths of more than 300 people linked to a doomsday cult in the Shakahola forest is the worst security breach in the country’s history.

Ten more bodies were exhumed from the forest on Tuesday raising the death toll to 360.

Appearing before a Senate committee, the minister, Prof Kithure Kindiki, further said that the suspected cult leader, Paul Mackenzie Nthenge’s activities, were reported from as early as 2020.

“A report was filed at the Langobaya police station. No action was taken. Some of the officers and judicial officers must answer that question,” he said.

At least 339 people linked to the Good News International Church are believed to have either starved themselves to death, were badly beaten or strangled at the Shakahola forest in south-eastern Kenya.

The cult leader, Mr Mackenzie, preached that the world was about to end and allegedly convinced his followers to starve to death so they could see Jesus.

Mr Mackenzie has not yet been charged officially.