In Kenya's coastal Kilifi county, four individuals were discovered dead on Thursday and around a dozen more were sent to the hospital after being rescued while anticipating the end of the world.According to police, the gang had been hiding out in a forest for many days after being instructed 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 on Friday morning following reports that others were still in the forest.

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

The worshippers belong to Good News International Church led by a local pastor who has been on police radar for allegedly urging his followers to starve to death in order 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.