Kenyan Cult Leader Convicted In Deaths Of 191 People

A Kenyan court has found cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 29 associates guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult in the Shakahola Forest tragedy, one of the world’s deadliest cult-related disasters.

The Mombasa High Court ruled Monday after a hearing lasting more than eight hours. Prosecutors said Mackenzie instructed followers of his Good News International Church to starve themselves and their children to “meet Jesus” before the world ended.

He also reportedly discouraged members from using schools and hospitals, describing them as “Satanic.” Mass graves were discovered more than three years ago. The latest verdict covers 191 deaths, while investigations continue into more than 400 bodies recovered from Shakahola. Prosecutors also allege Mackenzie directed 52 additional deaths in Kwa Binzaro village while in detention. The tragedy intensified calls for stricter oversight of religious organizations. President William Ruto previously acknowledged that government agencies should have intervened earlier to prevent the deaths.

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