A Kenyan court is hearing the case of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, accused of leading a doomsday cult responsible for the deaths of over 400 followers.
- Mass Deaths and Terrorism Charges: The trial in Mombasa began on Monday with Mackenzie appearing alongside 94 co-defendants. All have pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges related to the deaths.
- Starvation and Violence: Prosecutors allege Mackenzie incited his followers to starve themselves to death in the belief they would “meet Jesus.” Autopsies revealed starvation as the primary cause, but some victims, including children, showed signs of strangulation, beatings, and suffocation.
- Shakahola Forest Massacre: The remains of over 440 individuals have been unearthed in a remote area dubbed the “Shakahola forest massacre” site.
- Police Scrutiny: Questions surround how Mackenzie, with a history of extremism and legal issues, evaded authorities for so long. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki criticized police for laxity in investigating initial starvation reports.
- Separate Charges: Mackenzie and the co-defendants face additional charges of murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and child torture in separate proceedings.
