- Mackenzie pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges
- This was in connection with the deaths of over 400 followers
- The case has exposed the vulnerability of religious followers
Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges in connection with the deaths of over 400 followers in the Shakahola forest.
The alleged leader of the cult that encouraged mass starvation appeared in court alongside 94 other suspects.
The case, described as unprecedented in Kenyan legal history, is expected to span four days with over 400 witnesses testifying.
Prosecutors allege that Mackenzie instructed his followers to starve themselves to death to hasten their journey to heaven.
The shocking discovery of mass graves in the Shakahola forest last April sent shockwaves through the nation and drew international condemnation.
The Kenyan government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with accusations of delayed response and inadequate measures to prevent similar tragedies.
Mackenzie is also facing separate trials on terrorism and child abuse charges, highlighting the extent of the alleged crimes committed by the cult leader and his followers.
The case has exposed the vulnerability of religious followers and the dangers of unchecked extremist ideologies.
