Paul Mackenzie Jailed for 200 Years Over Shakahola Massacre
Originally published by NTV Kenya — Read the original article →
A Kenyan court has sentenced cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 190 children who were starved to death in Shakahola Forest, near Malindi.
Mackenzie, who led an apocalyptic Christian church, allegedly ordered his followers and their children to fast to death so they could reach heaven before the end of the world. His accomplices used threats and violence to enforce his orders.
The case shocked Kenya in April 2023, when police discovered bodies buried in shallow graves and latrines in Shakahola Forest. A total of 448 bodies were eventually recovered, with the suspected death toll reaching 500.