Cult Leader Convicted in Child Deaths

A Kenyan court has convicted radical televangelist Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-defendants in the murders of 191 people, the majority of whom were children. The horrific discovery of hundreds of bodies, including those of toddlers and entire families, occurred in Kenya's Shakahola Forest starting in April 2023.

Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, prohibited schooling and modern healthcare for his followers, promoting doomsday prophecies. The cult relocated to Shakahola Forest, where members were allegedly forced to fast. Evidence presented in court indicated that some individuals who tried to escape were killed, and others nearing death from starvation were suffocated.

Judge Diana Kavedza stated, "I reject the defense by the accused persons that the victims who were all below the age of 16 years voluntarily fasted to death." She found all 29 accused guilty of murder, noting "direct physical violence" in many cases.

Following the initial discoveries, President William Ruto acknowledged systemic government failures. Activists like Francis Auma criticized officials for laxity, demanding accountability for preventable deaths. Authorities have not confirmed if any government officials have faced disciplinary action. Investigations revealed that further bodies linked to the cult were exhumed later, suggesting ongoing coordination even from within prison.