Kenya's Cult Leader Paul Mackenzie Accused of Terrorism in Connection with Mass Fatalities

Prosecutors in Kenya have stated that a cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, will face charges of murder and terrorism in relation to the discovery of over 400 bodies found in mass graves. Mackenzie was taken into custody in April after the bodies were found, with some individuals reportedly having starved themselves. Alongside 94 others, Mackenzie will be brought before a court in Malindi on Wednesday to face charges. Despite the accusations, Mackenzie denies any responsibility for the deaths. The bodies, including children, were unearthed in Shakahola, a remote forest located approximately two hours' drive west of Malindi. It is alleged that Mackenzie encouraged members of his Good News International Church to relocate to this area in preparation for the apocalypse. Witnesses recounted being instructed to fast as a means of reaching heaven. Mackenzie claims innocence, as he closed his church in 2019. The investigation, which has requested multiple extensions, has now amassed sufficient evidence to charge Mackenzie and the other suspects with offenses that include murder, assault, and "facilitating the commission of a terrorist act." Among the 95 individuals initially treated as victims and relocated to a rescue center, 64 were discovered in Shakahola, but subsequent investigations revealed that many had lost their children in the forest. Some individuals provided false names and failed to account for the whereabouts of their children. Mackenzie was previously convicted in November for running an illegal film studio associated with his preaching and distributing films without a valid license.