Kenya court convicts cult leader Paul Mackenzie and about 30 others of murder in Shakahola forest case

A Kenyan court has delivered its verdict in the case of the mass deaths in Shakahola forest. Self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie and about 30 of his associates have been convicted of murder. They were accused of forcing followers to starve in the name of religious teaching.

The case involved the deaths of 190 children and one adult. It is being counted among the most horrific cult-related incidents in recent times.

Mackenzie headed the Good News International Church in Kenya. He was accused of telling his followers that the end of the world was near, and that giving up food and water was necessary to go to heaven.

Under the influence of his teaching, several families starved their children too. The investigation found that sending children to school and taking them to hospital when they fell ill was being described as wrong. Many innocent children died because of this teaching.

The case came to light in 2023, when police received word of mass graves in Shakahola forest in Kilifi county on Kenya's coast. An investigation began and a large number of bodies were exhumed.

More than 400 bodies have been recovered from the area so far. Many were in very poor condition, which made identification difficult. The incident drew widespread anger across Kenya and abroad.

Mackenzie and his associates were charged with murder. The accused denied the charges. After examining the evidence presented and the statements of witnesses, however, the court found about 30 people, including Mackenzie, guilty of murder.

The judges also referred to the instances of children being kept away from food. The verdict is being seen as an important step towards justice for the families of the victims. Attention now turns to the sentences the convicts will receive. The court has fixed November 6 for the hearing on sentencing.