A Kenyan court has found cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, guilty in connection with the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola Forest tragedy.
Mackenzie, who led the Good News International Church, was accused of using hierarchy religious tactics – encouraging followers to starve themselves and their children in the belief that they would reach heaven and meet Jesus.
Prosecutors said the deadly fasting was enforced through an organized system, with children reportedly targeted first before adult females and males. The court also heard evidence that some victims died from suffocation, neck compression, and head injuries rather than starvation alone.
Authorities began recovering bodies from mass graves in Shakahola Forest in April 2023. To date, 429 badly decomposed bodies have reportedly been recovered.
Mackenzie has denied forcing anyone to fast, and his attorney says the defense plans to appeal the verdict. Investigations into additional deaths and other charges remain ongoing. 30 other suspects appeared at the Mombasa High Court, according to CNN.
A heartbreaking tragedy that has left families searching for answers and justice.
