The leader of a Kenyan cult, Paul Mackenzie, has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges after allegedly encouraging over 400 followers to starve themselves to death in what has been described as one of the worst cases of cult-related mass deaths in Kenya.
Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, appeared in court in Mombasa alongside 94 other suspects, where the prosecution stated that this case was unprecedented in Kenya. The bodies of 429 followers, including children, were discovered in mass graves in a remote forest called Shakahola, showing signs of starvation and assault.
According to the prosecutor, Alexander Jami Yamina, over 400 witnesses are expected to testify in the coming days. The suspects will be prosecuted under a law relating to suicide pacts, as Mackenzie allegedly told his followers they would reach heaven faster if they stopped eating.
The case, known as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” shocked the nation last year, with survivors revealing that Mackenzie had ordered children to starve themselves first, followed by unmarried individuals, women, men, and finally church leaders.
Mackenzie, who set up the Good News International Church in 2003, is also facing trials for terrorism and child abuse charges. He reportedly encouraged his followers to move to the remote forest to prepare for the end of the world and “meet Jesus.”
The authorities have released some victims’ bodies to their relatives after months of DNA testing, with 34 bodies returned so far. Mackenzie, who preached against formal education and medical treatment, was previously convicted for operating a film studio without a license.
Kenya, a predominantly Christian country, has seen cases of individuals being lured into dangerous cults or unregulated churches. The trial of Mackenzie and his associates is expected to shed light on the extent of manipulation and abuse within such groups.
