Kenyan Cult Leader Charged with Terrorism and Manslaughter in Mass Starvation Deaths

In a shocking development from Kenya, Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, has been charged with terrorism and manslaughter in connection with the deaths of 429 of his followers. This case, emerging from a remote forest area known as Shakahola, has sent shockwaves throughout the country and drawn attention to the dangers of extremist religious groups.

Mackenzie, along with 94 others, faces serious charges following the discovery of the bodies of his followers, including children, in shallow graves on an 800-acre ranch. The charges, announced in a court in the southeastern city of Mombasa, come after Mackenzie’s arrest last April and subsequent revelations about the cult’s activities.

Authorities allege that Mackenzie incited his followers to starve themselves and their children to death in preparation for the end of the world and to “meet Jesus.” The autopsies on some of the bodies found in the graves revealed they died from starvation, strangulation, or suffocation. These findings paint a grim picture of the extent of control and influence Mackenzie had over his followers.

The charges against Mackenzie and his associates include 238 counts of manslaughter, committed between January 2021 and February 2023. The group pleaded not guilty to these charges during their court appearance. The case is further complicated by previous legal encounters Mackenzie had, including an arrest in 2019 in relation to the deaths of children, for which he was released on bond.

The prosecution’s case paints Good News International Ministries as “an organized criminal group” that engaged in activities endangering lives, leading to the deaths of hundreds. Mackenzie’s pre-trial detention in Mombasa was extended on several occasions, highlighting the complexity and gravity of the investigation.

This case, dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre,” has prompted the Kenyan government to consider tighter control of fringe denominations and religious cults. The sheer number of victims, the method of their demise, and the cult-like control exerted by Mackenzie have caused national and international concern over the influence of such extremist groups.

The upcoming court proceedings, scheduled for February 13 for a judgment on bail and bond terms, will be closely watched as they unfold. This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers posed by cults and the importance of vigilant monitoring of such groups to prevent similar tragedies in the future.