Paul Mackenzie, the leader of a Kenyan cult accused of encouraging over 400 followers to starve themselves to death, has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter. The case, one of the most shocking instances of cult-related mass deaths in the country’s history, has drawn widespread attention.
Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, appeared in court on Monday in the coastal city of Mombasa, alongside 94 other suspects. His arrest in April followed the discovery of 429 bodies, including those of children, in a grave site in Shakahola, a remote forest located about two hours west of Malindi. Most of the victims showed signs of starvation and assault, leading to what has been dubbed the “Shakahola Forest Massacre.”
“There has never been a manslaughter case like this in Kenya,” prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the trial. The prosecution plans to call over 400 witnesses to testify over the next four days, as they build their case against Mackenzie and his co-accused.
Mackenzie allegedly instructed his followers that they could reach heaven faster by abstaining from food, a directive that led to the mass starvation. Survivors have reported that children were ordered to starve first, followed by the unmarried, women, men, and finally, church leaders.
In addition to the manslaughter charges, Mackenzie faces two other trials: one for terrorism, which began in July, and another for child abuse, involving allegations of torture, assault, and cruelty toward children, as well as infringing on their right to education. He has denied all charges.
Mackenzie founded the Good News International Church in 2003, though he claimed to have closed it in 2019. He encouraged his followers to relocate to Shakahola forest in preparation for the end of the world, where he promised they would “meet Jesus.”
Kenya, a nation where 85% of the population identifies as Christian, has been deeply shaken by the case. The discovery of the Shakahola graves has reignited concerns about the dangers of unregulated religious groups and cults in the country. Authorities have already returned 34 of the victims’ bodies to their families after months of identification through DNA tests.
Mackenzie, who has previously been arrested for promoting anti-education views and for operating an illegal film studio, continues to deny any wrongdoing. As the trial proceeds, Kenyans and the international community will be watching closely, hoping for justice for the victims of this horrific tragedy.
